Early work from CFA crews has helped stop the spread of a grass fire towards the township of Beaufort.
District 16 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bernie Fradd said the fire started in stubble, just before 11am.
“We had 31 appliances from CFA with support from DELWP and Pyrenees Shire, as well as aircraft from Ballarat and Stawell,” said ACFO Fradd.
“There was great work from the brigades early on to keep this fire to the south side of Ellis Road because if it had crossed that, there was significant threat to houses and the edges of Beaufort.
There was an emergency warning issued mainly for the houses that were so close to the point of origin of the fire as there was significant threat if the bragades hadn’t done such a reat job early on.
“We’re confident that we’re around this fire now and it’s not going to spread any further.
The cause is yet to be determined, but it’s not being treated as suspicious.
ACFO Fradd said it’s important for all Victorians to ensure proper precautions are taken, particularly around long and dry grass.
“Today was a low fire danger index day, with a cool southerly wind so not the type of day when you’d expect a fire like this.
“This fire is a reminder that summer’s not over and there’s lots of dry grass, so people need to be very wary of their surroundings.”