Update, 4.09pm:
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The haystack fire Charlton has been marked as safe.
It involved about 200 bales of hay, in a paddock.
The fire was under control at 3.51pm.
3.30pm:
CFA are responding to reports of another haystack fire in the district.
Emergency services were called to Phillips Road in Charlton at 3.27pm.
Three fire trucks are on their way to the blaze, which is not yet under control.
12.30pm: The region’s fire district has been “pretty lucky” to have had only two haystack fires so far this season.
It is too early to determine what started today’s fire in Carisbrook, but the previous blaze in Kamarooka was likely triggered by spontaneous combustion, CFA district two’s Trent McKinnon said.
The district covers areas around the Bendigo, Castlemaine and Maryborough as well as further south.
Spontaneous combustion is the leading cause of haystack fires and occurs when excessive heat builds up in hay.
It is hard to say whether there would be more in the district as the season went on, but authorities do sometimes notice spontaneous combustion trigger blazes southward as the weather warmed.
“It really depends on what harvest conditions were like at the time of baling,” he said.
Eight CFA appliances were on scene at one stage during today’s Carisbrook fire, which is taking place in a large shed on a rural property.
Update, 11.05am: A smoke warning has been issued to the public for a large haystack fire burning near Carisbrook.
Fire fighters are responding to the blaze.
Haystack fires are not likely to spread into grassland, the VicEmergency alert says, but they do generate a lot of smoke.
“Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities as firefighters pull apart the hay to extinguish the fire,” the alert says.
“This fire may continue to burn for up to two days.”
If you can smell smoke, please note:
- Smoke can affect people's health.
- People with pre-existing health problems, 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.
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 Triple Zero (000).
Update, 10.50am: Crews have arrived to find a haystack fire of approximately 300-400 bales.
Three tankers and a field command vehicle is now on scene. Two more tankers are on their way.
A CFA spokesperson said people may notice smoke in the area for some time, with crews typically spending hours or even days making sure haystack fires do not reignite.
EARLIER: Fire fighters are set to arrive at the scene of a hay stack fire near Carisbrook.
Four Country Fire Authority appliances have been called, including crews from Maryborough and Carisbrook, to the incident.
The VicEmergency website has listed the fire’s location as Baringhup Road.
More to come.
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Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
