The fire, which started in relatively mild and still condition is believed to have been ignited by slashing works which were being carried out during the day.

The fire took just over two hours to be declared under control, but fortunately it did not pose a danger to lives or homes.

CFA Regional 15 Operations Manager Brett Boatman said while the terrain was not easy for crews to enter, they were able to burn a fire break to stop the blaze from spreading. He said the fire took hold in an area where there is an underlying dryness, which showed how easy it was for a fire to get out of control. 

The blaze comes days before a predicted heatwave.

CFA operations manager Boatman said it was a timely reminder to be careful of conditions with severe heat predicted next week

“From my perspective, we need the public to be very cautious as we are moving into heatwave conditions,” he said.

“Conditions in the forest is are particularly very dry and although we understand people want to slashing, it’s important to be very careful how you do it.

“Ideally if you have to do the work, do it before 9 or 10am. We are now right in the middle of summer, so we want to avoid any unwanted issues.”

Mr Boatman said residents and travellers should keep in mind conditions over the next week, with a rise in fire danger from Saturday and even hotter weather and greater fire danger predicted from Tuesday.

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