The first fire began on the corner of Green Gully Road and Butler's Lane in Glenlyon last Wednesday, burning through seven hectares of land before being extinguished at 1pm.  

Ten tankers were called out to the blaze, with some staying on site until 7pm blacking out to ensure it would not restart.  

The second fire took place in Mount Franklin on Friday, burning through more than 21 hectares of land.  Residents in the area were issued with a watch and act alert for the large grass fire which changed direction following a wind change.  

The blaze required 15 tankers to be extinguished.

Country Fire Authority District 15 manager Brett Boatman said the two fires served as a timely reminder the fire season was still a long way from over and that grass fires still posed a real threat. 

“There’s still an abundance of grassland fuel throughout the region and it’s dry so we’re susceptible to fires in late February and March,” Mr Boatman said.  

“We’re probably not going to get another long run (of high fire risk days) but we will still get isolated high risk days and the public needs to be aware and know their fire plan.

“Grassland fires will run hard and fast so anything that runs into the bush at the moment will burn pretty hard.” 

The two fires come during the CFA’s first season of deploying the nimble Kestrel helitack 346 helicopter to any grass and scrub fire on a high risk day which the fire danger index is above 12 .  

The helicopter which is based in Ballarat is assisted by two single engine fixed winged firebombers. 

Mr Boatman said the increased use of aircraft on small to medium sized fires such as those seen last week in Glenlyon and Mount Franklin had been pivotal in preventing fires from spreading. 

“The helitack plays a crucial role in our first attack on a fire and it’s really paid off for us this summer,” Mr Boatman said.  

“They don’t typically stop fires or put them out but they help nullify them so ground crews can ensure they don’t spread.”

The fire danger period will remain in place until May 1, with restrictions applying to people wishing to conduct burn-offs or start open fires.