Image: Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade
Just before 6pm on Saturday afternoon, 21 January, CFA was called to reports of a fire on Edinburgh Road, Montrose.
Starting as a burn-off that had become out of control, the fire had spread to nearby trees and was rapidly growing in size.
Members from Montrose, The Basin, Mooroolbark, Wandin, Bayswater, Coldstream, Lilydale, Kalorama, Knox Group and Mt Evelyn attended the scene, as well as the Yellingbo Rehab Unit. Two appliances from Fire Rescue Victoria were also on scene in support.
Air support was also called to support ground crews, completing around 12 water drops on the fire.
Incident Controller, Montrose 2nd Lieutenant Matt Jalowicki, said the terrain made the initial fire attack difficult.
“The fire was running in a gully which made it hard to approach,” he said.
“We undertook a direct attack on the flanks of the fire until air support arrived, after which time we were able to get in and get the fire under control.”
District 13 Commander Andrew Booth was on scene, and said crews worked well to keep the fire contained.
“We were seeing spotting about 10-15 metres up Edinburgh Road and it was getting quite close to houses in the area, so we wanted to ensure it didn’t spread any further,” Commander Booth said.
“All crews worked well together to control the fire.”
The fire was declared under control at 6:57pm.
Before burning off, ensure:
- You're following regulations or laws by CFA and your local council.
- You notify your neighbours if your activity will generate fire and smoke.
- Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterwards.
- Establish a gap in vegetation or fire break with no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material.
- There are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.
- You notify the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA)
Find out more on the CFA website.
Image: Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade-
Image: Bayswater Fire Brigade
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