Displays when Total Fire Ban in force
Just after 2pm yesterday afternoon, Tylden and Trentham Fire Brigades were called to a burn-off out-of-control on Keyes Rd in Ashbourne. On route Tylden Captain Marcus Fidler saw a large plume of smoke and immediately called for 5 tankers. On arrival he realised more resources were needed and called for 10 tankers as well as support from DELWP.
The fire had started by burn-off which had spread into nearby bush by the strong winds, and quickly took hold. The initial response was joined by CFA volunteers from Woodend, Carlsruhe, Malmsbury, Bullengarook, Spring Hill and Musk, and additional trucks from Tylden and Trentham, as well as several vehicles from DELWP including a dozer to build an earth break around the fire, which had spread to around 5 acres. It too around 4 hours to bring the fire under control and black-out.
This was the second fire Woodend attended in the afternoon with another burn-off spreading into trees near the township.
Whilst the paddocks are looking green, the forest is very dry and a sign of a very dangerous fire season ahead … especially as this is early October.
If you do want to burn off, please be aware of weather conditions, especially wind, and make sure you take all the required safety precautions.
