Woodend Fire Brigade was called out to six lightning and fire-related incidents in just over four hours on Wednesday afternoon (15 January).
The calls began at 4.24pm with a grass fire on Bowyers Road. The brigade received four calls within the next hour to fires at Cobb & Co Rd, Woodlea Court and Anderson Rd.
The turnout from Woodend Brigade was significant with over 20 members responding.
Captain Mike Dornau said members were prepared and waiting at the station.
“It was an intense situation - because of the CFA updates and condition reports a lot of members were at the station in advance, ready to go,” Mike said.
Two more incidents were reported only an hour later, as conditions worsened. With the support of four local brigades all fires were extinguished.
“Although the rain was on our side, the storm made conditions dangerous," Mike said.
"We were working in the dark with extreme rain, winds and constant flashes of light.”
All fires were contained and Mike thanked members for their efforts in the difficult conditions.