Ballarat Senior Station Officer Shane Phillips said Ballarat City Fire Brigade attended two fires yesterday.

Eight fire crews from Ballarat City, Haddon, Smythesdale, Smythes Creek and Sebastopol were called to a significant scrub fire that involved gorse bush on Bells Road in Smythes Creek at 11.39am. 

It was brought under control quickly.

Two crews from Ballarat City and Cardigan-Windermere attended a small grass fire at 10.30am on the corner of Dyson and Remembrance drives.

A total fire ban has been issued for Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country districts.

Although Ballarat was not under a total fire ban, Mr Phillips reminded residents that restrictions were still in force.

“People still need a permit to burn off but we wouldn’t recommend it given the conditions. (Tomorrow) is supposed to be really strong winds associated with a wind change,” he said. 

“If anyone is using barbecues make sure they are fit to use and not using unsafe gas connections.

“If you are unsure you need to test it with warm soapy water and if it bubbles it means it is leaking.

“From the staff and volunteers at the Ballarat City we would like to wish everyone a safe new year and make sure you are all fire ready.”

Ballarat City Fire crews attended to a small grass fire near the Ballarat airport on Monday

night. 

The Wendouree and Ballarat City brigades attended the incident about 7pm before the event was contained.