4.20pm
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CFA Knowsley captain Robert Long has warned people to stay alert to dry conditions after a non-suspicious fire burnt both sides of a busy McIvor Highway.
“There was no wind and it still jumped the highway, which was surprising,” he said.
“It could have been worse … the smoke over the highway was the main drama.”
With a spell of hot weather coming up Mr Long said people would need to be careful with what they do.
“Fire restrictions are still in place, probably until the end of the month,” he said.
Five CFA crews and a number of DELWP units responded to the fire, which was sparked by a bobcat working on a section of the O’Keefe Rail Trail.
The fire crossed the McIvor Highway and burnt a large part of a nearby paddock.
Fire crews expected to be on scene for another hour mopping up, though the highway remains open in both directions.
3.30pm
Police say the fire at Knowsley is not suspicious.
They believe it was sparked by sub-contractors cutting grass near the O’Keefe Rail Trail.
3pm
The fire in Knowsley is listed as under control on the Vic Emergency website.
A CFA spokesman confirmed the McIvor Highway, Knowsley, fire is controlled.
Nine vehicles in total attended the Knowsley fire and are blacking out the site now.
The Heathcote fire is no longer list on the Vic Emergency site.
2.45pm
VicRoads spokesperson urged people driving in the area to be aware of smoke over the roads.
"If you see smoke over the road put your headlights on to improve your visibility which will also help other drivers to see you,” they said.
“If visibility is poor slow down and drive to the conditions.”
2.39pm
A CFA spokeswoman said both fires were listed as grass and scrub fires.
The fire in Knowsley has jumped the McIvor Highway and is burning on both sides of the road.
It is estimated to be between two and three hectares in sizes. Six tankers are on scene at Knowsley.
The Heathcote fire has two tankers on scene.
EARLIER: Fire crews are responding to two fires in the Heathcote region.
One fire is on the McIvor Highway near Knowsley while another fire has broken out on the Northern Highway near Mount Ida, Heathcote.
According to the Vic Emergency website, five fire crews are on the scene.