UPDATE 5.15pm: A ride-on lawnmower was the cause of a one hectare fire at Strathfieldsaye on Wednesday afternoon.
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Fire crews were called to the fire at the rear of properties on Sullivans Road just after 3.30pm, with the grass fire heading in the direction of three houses.
Strathfieldsaye Fire Brigade members prevented the fire from coming within 20 metres of the houses, before other brigades could arrive on the scene.
A boat, beehive, trailer and fencing were damaged in the fire.
CFA District 2 operations officer Chris Jacobsen said wire had become caught in the ride-on lawnmower, causing an overheated bearing.
The operator of the lawnmower and another man had attempted to stop the small fire with a bucket of water and a blanket, but a gust of wind caused it to get out of control.
Mr Jacobsen said even though it was a mild and cool day, there were still a number of risk factors.
“If you’re going to mow, mow in the mornings and make sure you have extinguishing agents ready,” he said.
“Try not to mow at the peak of the day. You need to pick the right time of day, because even on cooler days like today, the wind can pick up rapidly.”
Green grass around the houses prevented the fire from progressing at its rapid rate.
UPDATE 4.24pm: The CFA has issued an advice message for Strathfieldsaye indicating smoke may be visible from nearby properties but there is no threat to communities.
“Fire trucks are in the area and firefighters are mopping up,” it reads.
“Please stay clear of this area to allow easy access for emergency services vehicles.”
EARLIER: Fire crews are responding to a grass fire on Sullivans Road, Strathfieldsaye.
A spokesperson for the CFA said the fire started in a backyard on the road. It is unknown whether it has breached the backyard at this stage.
One truck is on scene and four more are on the way.