Update, 6.20pm: FIREFIGHTERS have brought a slow burning bushfire on top of a hill in stringybark forest at Baynton under control.
CFA commander Chris Jacobsen said units would remain at the scene into the evening to ensure the fire was contained, ahead of forecast strong winds tomorrow.
He said the fire was never travelling far, but was in inaccessible terrain.
Eighteen CFA resources remain at the scene. Mr Jacobsen said DELWP also responded, with eight units.
Three aircraft joined the firefighting effort, including two fire bombing units and a supervisory aircraft.
Mr Jacobsen said about five hectares of private land was burnt.
"There was a lightning strike in the immediate vicinity last night," the CFA commander said.
A Forest Fire Management Victoria dozer will be used to create a bare earth break around the fire.
Mr Jacobsen said firefighters would then work in from there to make the fire safe.
He said limited access for large fire trucks in the densely vegetated area also contributed to the number of units deployed.
About 14 smaller firefighting vehicles, known within the CFA as slip-ons, were utilised because they were better able to manoeuvre between the trees.
Mr Jacobsen said Forest Fire Management Victoria worked well alongside CFA to bring the fire under control.
Given the windy weather conditions predicted for tomorrow, particularly in the morning, he urged people not to light fires outside of the fire danger period restrictions.
Summer might be over, but Mr Jacobsen reminded people the fire danger period was not.
He said it was still too dry for people to take any risks and urged anyone unfamiliar with the restrictions to visit the CFA website.
Click here to read the restrictions during the fire danger period.
Update, 4.40pm: COMMUNITIES nearby a bushfire at Baynton have been advised to stay informed and monitor conditions as firefighters respond.
"There is currently no threat to you," advice issued by the Country Fire Authority states.
"There is a slow-moving bushfire at Youngs Road, Baynton, that is not yet under control.
"The bushfire is travelling in a southerly direction.
"Firefighters from CFA and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning are on scene."
Baynton, Baynton East, Benloch, Glenhope, Glenhope East, Lancefield, Nulla Vale and Pastoria East residents were advised smoke would be visible from nearby communities and roads.
The CFA said people should monitor warnings so they could act quickly if the situation changed, and monitor changes to the situation.
"Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing," the advice message stated.
The CFA also issued the following information:
If you can smell smoke, please note:
- 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.
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, 4.24pm: FURTHER support from aerial and ground crews has been requested as firefighters respond to a fire at Baynton, east of Kyneton.
Firefighters received reports of a column of smoke issuing from Youngs Road about 3.15pm.
The fire is in a fairly densely vegetated area.
Six Country Fire Authority trucks are on scene. The fire is not yet under control.
EARLIER: FIREFIGHTERS are responding to reports of a fire east of Kyneton, which is not yet under control.
Eight vehicles are believed to be responding to the blaze at Youngs Road in Baynton.
The fire is believed to have started about 3.15pm.
More to come.
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