A SECTION of Wangaratta's popular Bullawah Cultural Trail remains closed due a large tree on fire presenting a safety hazard to the public.

Authorities responded to public reports of a burning tree around 4.30am Sunday, with local CFA brigades and Wangaratta police among the first responders to the scene.

On arrival they found a large, hollowed gum tree, approximately 100 feet high, well alight, near the entrance to Northern Beaches.

With the tree on crown land, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews assumed control of the incident and remain on scene monitoring the situation.

FFMVic incident controller, Scott Edwards, said the tree is burning within 15 metres of the trail and has been assessed as too unstable for crews to directly attack.

“Bullawah Cultural Trail is closed to the public between the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club and College Street to ensure community and firefighter safety,” he said.

“The fire is contained to the single tree, and there is no risk of it spreading.

"It’s highly likely that when the head of the tree falls, it will impact the trail.”

Mr Edwards said FFMVic crews will remain on site until the area is declared safe.

He said the cause of the fire is being investigated.

With no lightning recorded this morning, and Wangaratta's overnight temperature falling to a chilly 1.7 degrees with a light frost, authorities are expected to focus attention on causes other than nature.

FFMVic has issued a Community Information Message for the fire on VicEmergency.