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A PERSON using an angle grinder was the source of a fire that spread over 10 acres in Eppalock on Monday – the first day of the Fire Danger Period in Bendigo for this summer.
Police are investigating whether criminal charges can be laid on the person responsible for the fire.
Fire crews were called to the property on Kennelly Road about 1pm with reports of a spreading grass fire.
Crews were able to contain the fire within the property. The fire burnt near a dwelling and destroyed fencing.
Bendigo Fire Station officer in charge Nick Sporton said the operator of the angle grinder did not have water or an extinguisher on hand, nor did the angle grinder have a suitable guard.
“It’s the first day of the Fire Danger Period and people need to be aware that this time of year the warm weather is well on the fire and the risk is heightened,” he said.
“Information for what people can and can’t do is available on the CFA website.”
UPDATE 2pm: The fire is now under control.
Four-and-a-half acres were burnt in the blaze.
The advice message still remains in place, warning residents to stay informed and to continue to monitor conditions.
UPDATE 1.30pm: 10 trucks are on scene and police have been notified, a CFA spokesperson said.
The fire appears to be about 4.5 acres in size and is not yet under control.
EARLIER: Firefighters are currently fighting a grassfire at Eppalock.
Residents are being warned there will be smoke in the area and to continue to monitor conditions.
An advice message has been issued for Kennelly Road and the surrounding area.
There is currently no threat to communities, but people are asked to stay informed and monitor conditions.
Today marks the start of the fire danger period for the City of Greater Bendigo, where permits, or certain requirements, are now needed to light a fire in the open air.
The entire state has a low to moderate fire danger rating for today with a top of 31 degrees forecast for Bendigo.
An advice message message is also in place for St Arnaud and St Arnaud North, for a grassfire that is under control.
Firefighters were called to that fire on Woolpack Road about two hours ago.
Country Fire Authority advice message
What you should do:
- Monitor weather conditions and warnings as grassfires can spread rapidly.
- Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Impacts in your area:
- Grassfires can create a lot of smoke.
- Firefighters are attending to this fire.
Health information:
- If you need medical advice for burns or exposure to smoke, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
- Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call 000.
Smoke information:
- Smoke can affect people's health.
- People with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
- People with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by the doctor.
Stay informed:
- Via www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about this warning on freecall 1800 226 226.
- People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
- For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
- Download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#vicfires) or Facebook.