10.25pm:
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A FIRE near Wedderburn earlier today was on the property of a CFA member, the organisation has confirmed.
District 20 Commander Mick Lavery said the fire was caused by strong winds re-igniting a burn-off from a fortnight ago.
"The member was doing the right thing by cleaning up his property and burning off two weeks ago when conditions were safe to do so," Mr Lavery said.
"However, this illustrates the importance of continuing to monitor your burn as a fire can flare up even many days after it is extinguished."
The fire was contained to the CFA member's property and did not cause any structural damage.
However, an assessment found the fire affected almost 100 hectares of the property owner's land.
Mr Lavery said there had been many fires across the state in today's challenging conditions.
"Fuel loads are high and very dry in the northern parts of the state and I urge everyone to be careful," he said.
"When it comes to burn-offs, it's important people remain vigilant and remember to register them as well."
The CFA issued the following advice:
Keep your burn-off safe and legal:
- Check fire restrictions with your local council and register your burn on 1800 668 511
- Check and monitor weather conditions - particularly wind
- To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand
- Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn
- Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading
- Never leave a burn-off unattended - stay for its entire duration
- If your burn-off gets out of control, call '000' immediately
- Make sure that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving; if it's cool to touch, it's safe to leave.
More information about burning off is available from the CFA website: cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff
The website also contains information about fire restrictions: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/restrictions-during-the-fire-danger-period
6.20pm:
A FIRE at Jarklin reached one hectare before being controlled by Country Fire Authority crews.
The fire was put under control at 6.10pm.
Crews are still on scene blacking out the area.
6pm:
A GRASSFIRE at Jarklin is spreading, about four kilometres from the Loddon Valley Highway.
The fire was reported at 5.43. Seven fire trucks are responding.
It is about 30 kilometres north east of the fire that burnt through 100 hectares near Wedderburn on Friday afternoon.
The fire is on Jarklin Road.
5pm
FIREFIGHTERS have attributed a fire near Wedderburn to a burn-off that reignited, fanned by the day's strong winds..
District 20 Commander Mick Lavery said the fire ran a fair way, but was been contained to just one property.
"We've experienced a strong northerly wind that has been blowing all day and will continue tonight," Mr Lavery said.
Firefighters arrived at the property at 12.48pm to find a grass fire spreading.
About 70 firefighters and a helicopter helped bring the blaze under control.
Mr Lavery said the fire was contained before it could cause any structural damage.
Having brought the fire under control, crews turned their attention to blacking out.
3pm
The fire at Woosang is now under control.
A CFA spokesperson said crews bought the fire under control at 2.56pm.
2.45pm
A CFA spokesman said the initial fire, near Wedderburn, was under control.
Fifteen units are on scene, along with police who are controlling traffic.
2.25pm
In a separate fire at Woosang, 23 kilometres west of Wedderburn, a fire has burnt along 150 metres of the Calder Highway.
Four tankers from Woosang, Charlton, Yeungroon and Buckrabanyule are working to control the fire.
Powercor have been notified and are required to attended while police are also on scene.
2.05pm
Twenty CFA crews and a Helitak air unit are now responding to the fire near Wedderburn.
1.30pm
The Country Fire Authority has issued an advice message for residents in Fiery Flat, Kinypanial, Wedderburn Junction, and Korong Vale.
A CFA spokesperson said there was currently no threat to residents, but people should stay informed and monitor conditions.
Earlier
The Country Fire Authority is responding to a grass fire near Wedderburn.
Five CFA crews were called to the blaze in about 12.50pm on Friday.
A CFA spokesperson said air support was requested because the fire was spreading quickly.
The blaze is not yet under control.
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