CFA firefighters are battling a grass fire that took off near Clarkefield.
Firefighters were first called to reports of a grass fire at Konagaderra Road, Clarkefield, at 11.15am today.
More than 20 CFA fire trucks and volunteer firefighters responded to the fire, supported by fire-fighting aircraft.
Rostered Duty Commander Paul Turner said the fire is contained but has not yet been declared under control.
“It’s about 40 hectares in size and it’s not burning fast, it’s just in difficult terrain,” said Commander Turner.
“We’ve got local crews as well as 3 strike teams from Districts 2, 12, and 13.
“We’ve had some assets damaged including a hay shed and some other smaller sheds. There’s lots of fencing damage along the Lancefield Road."
A Watch and Act message was issued to the community which has since been downgraded to an Advice message.
The Melbourne-Lancefield Road is expected to reopen at approximately 17:30 this afternoon.
Commander Turner said the cause is yet to be confirmed, but its believed it may have been from a car that had broken down on the side of the road.