CFA firefighters battled a grassfire on Kilmore at around 3.43pm last Friday, 27 January.
CFA crews from Kilmore, Broadford, Glenaroua, Clonbinane and Wandong worked to extinguish a fast-moving grassfire on Broadford-Kilmore Rd in Kilmore .
Approximately five acres of grass was affected and brought under control within 20 minutes.
Two people were handed into the care of paramedics.
The fire was believed to have been caused by the heat from the exhaust of a vehicle travelling through long grass.
Broadford Fire Brigade Captain, Jamie Duffy wanted to reiterate the importance of avoiding driving through long, dry grass during hot days as they could start a fire which can start and spread quickly.
In the right conditions grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and spread across roads and highways.
Victorians should stay prepared and informed this fire season; this means downloading the VicEmergency app and getting familiar with the new Fire Danger Rating System by checking the rating in your area.
To learn more about the risk of grassfires on the CFA website at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/am-i-at-risk/grassfires-rural.
Safety tips
- If you’re using farm machinery or vehicles, ensure it is free from any faults and mechanical defects, fitted with an approved spark arrestor and carrying a water fire extinguisher.
- Be aware hot exhaust pipes, mufflers can start grassfires.
- The accumulation of grass around the underbody of vehicles can create a fire risk.
- If you live next to grassland and a grassfire starts, walk at least two streets back from the fire.
- If you live two or three streets away from grassland and a grassfire starts, stay where you are; Grassfires are unlikely to spread into built-up areas.
- Never drive if you can see smoke or fire. Thick smoke will make it hard to see and traffic jams and accidents are likely.
- Keep roads clear for emergency services.
- The most common cause of harvester and mower fires is material collecting on hot engine components such as the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger.
- The key to avoiding harvester fires is diligence in clean-down and inspection.
- Check the Fire Danger Rating by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/total-fire-bans-and-ratings.
- Download the VicEmergency app for real-time updates about emergencies across Victoria.