The fire burned approximately 40 hectares
Firefighters battled challenging conditions and difficult terrain to bring a fast-moving bushfire under control in Montrose over the weekend.
The fire, which started next to the Dr Ken Leversha Reserve on Saturday afternoon, was fanned by unpredictable gusty winds overnight on Sunday, causing it to quickly spread to the Dr Ken Leversha Reserve and double in size, prompting an emergency warning to be issued for residents.
The strong and sudden wind change, described as a downburst, resulted in an ember attack in multiple directions.
CFA District 13 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Renkin said strike teams faced very difficult conditions.
"The area was inaccessible for vehicles, so we heavily relied on aircraft support.
“At the height of the incident, over 40 firefighting resources were on scene."
"Fortunately, the winds died down enough for us to gain control on Sunday,” Dave said.
“This aided with a welcome dose of heavy rainfall certainly assisted ground crews with suppression efforts.”
At the height of the incident, over 100 firefighters from CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria were on scene, alongside more than 40 firefighting vehicles, four helicopters and three dozers.
"There’s no doubt that without the extraordinary efforts of strike teams, the losses would have been far greater."
"I want to thank all emergency responders for their efforts.
Their swift and coordinated actions were pivotal in limiting the extent of losses," Dave said.
"It was a great effort all around to achieve a relatively successful outcome."
There is still a strong presence of emergency services workers at the fireground, performing hazardous tree removal works and monitoring conditions to ensure the safety of the area.
Victoria Police confirmed one property was lost, another partially damaged, and one outbuilding destroyed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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