FIREFIGHTERS are warning residents not to be complacent, with extremely dry conditions leading to a number of burn-offs spreading into grass and scrub fires in recent days.
One of the most significant was a 20 hectare fire at Porcupine Ridge near Daylesford on Tuesday.
Reported just after midday, the fire burnt in terrain that was difficult to access. Heavy equipment was need to build containment line around the fire, which was travelling towards the Wheatsheaf and Glenlyon communities. Although the fire did not threaten properties, some residents were issued watch and act advice messages.
Last week the CFA confirmed firefighters had controlled 40 grass fires in one day – with hot and windy conditions causing fire to spready quickly and easily.
District 15 Operations Officer Chris Bigham said while no homes were under threat, there were concerns some properties southeast of Porcupine Ridge could be at risk if crews couldn’t bring the fire under control.
“Firefighters on the ground did a great job in chasing the fire into some difficult terrain. With the help of an aircraft they were able to pull it up before it reached properties around Mahoneys Road and Andersons Road,” he said.
Mr Bigham said the fire late season reminder that parts of Victoria remained extremely, with dry and warmer, windy weather resulting in an increased fire danger rise.
“It’s continued to be unusually warm and the lack of moisture in the soil has created fire fuel,” Mr Bigham said.
“Any associated wind combined with that dry fuel can cause a fire to spread, if people are burning off.
“(We urge people) to certainly avoid burning off if there are elevated winds and higher temperatures.”
Mr Bigham urged Victorians thinking of undertaking private burn offs to think about postponing activities with fire still a real possibility under the state receives substantial rain.
He said the fire danger period would not be re-instated during the winter months, but said the CFA could still initiate total fire danger days.
