9pm
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POLICE and firefighters have appealed for information after two fires along Elmore-Barnadown Road, near Elmore and Goornong.
Emergency services received reports of fire about 3.30pm today.
CFA District 2 commander Chris Jacobsen said a fire on the roadside near the intersection with Ellis Road was dealt with by local crews.
It burnt a small area of the roadside grass and part of a paddock.
A second fire, further towards Elmore, consumed a hay shed and its contents and more than 70 hectares of paddock.
At its peak, there were 25 CFA units responding with support from Forest Fire Management Victoria crews, two firefighting helicopters and private units.
Mr Jacobsen thanked all those involved for their assistance.
Between ground crews and aerial support, firefighters saved the house and a shed and managed to pull the fire up before it crossed the Campaspe River.
Police were initially there managing traffic, but their role turned to making preliminary inquiries as the fire was made safe.
Both the fires are being treated as suspicious, and police and CFA are investigating.
Mr Jacobsen urged people to exercise caution given the dry conditions.
"CFA would ask people to limit any activity in the middle of the day that might cause fires," he said.
He suggested people make the most of the mornings, when the weather was cooler.
Today's incidents had shown the fire danger, even on a day with temperatures in the mid-20s and "a slightly stronger than gentle breeze", Mr Jacobsen said.
Temperatures are set to soar next week, with temperatures of 38 degrees and above forecast from Tuesday onward.
"We'd like people to be very careful out there because fires can kill and cause damage," Mr Jacobsen said.
Mr Jacobsen reminded people acts of negligence that resulted in fire could warrant criminal charges.
Police urged anyone with dash cam footage or information about any vehicles in the area about the time of fires to call the Bendigo Police Station on 5448 1300.
'It could have been worse,' says farmer
A QUICK thinking farmer has saved his flock of sheep from being burnt in a fire, which took out more than 70 hectares of paddock.
"I haven't lost a sheep," the farmer, who requested to remain anonymous, said.
He had to move the sheep in a hurry as the fire spread.
The devastation of his paddocks meant he would have no choice but to hand feed about 200 sheep.
But the farmer said it could have been worse.
His house and one of the sheds came under threat, but were unscathed.
Another hay shed, which contained about $12,000 worth of bales, was lost to the fire.
"I'm thankful I do as much on the mower as I do," the farmer said.
He said having well maintained the vegetation meant the fire had less fuel than it might otherwise have had.
The farmer was also grateful to his neighbours, who were first on scene and had helped firefighters gain access to the property. They also pitched in on the firefighting effort with a fire extinguisher.
Firefighters said the farmer had lost some fencing.
7.43pm
Firefighters have given a grass fire at Goornong the all clear.
People in Avonmore, Goornong and Runnymede are now able to resume normal activities.
Emergency services will remain in the area as required.
A haystack within the burnt area is expected to continue to produce smoke for up to two days.
5.49pm
TWO Goornong fires are being treated as suspicious.
Two helicopters were water-bombing as part of fire efforts.
There were 25 Country Fire Authority vehicles on scene at the peak of the fire, including 20 firefighting units and five support.
There were also additional units there from Forest Fire Management Victoria.
4.57pm
The Country Fire Authority has downgraded its watch and act message to advice.
The grass fire in the Goornong area is now under control.
Fire crews will remain in the area for a number of hours blacking out.
There is currently no threat, but people should stay informed and monitor conditions.
Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities.
The next update is expected by 8pm or as the situation changes.
If people 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 0.
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.
4.35pm
A large fire at Goornong is now under control.
More than 20 vehicles are attending the fire.
Video from the scene:
The watch and act message remains in place.
Neighbouring farmers, armed with a fire extinguisher, are among those who responded.
A house has been saved. There are a number of firefighters still on scene.
Another fire, at Sandy Creek-Barnadown Road, has been marked as safe.
4.08pm
A watch and act message has been issued for Avonmore, Goornong and Runnymede because of a fire on Elmore-Barnadown Road, Goornong.
The grass fire is not yet under control.
It is travelling in an easterly direction towards the Campaspe River.
The Country Fire Authority advised people that staying close to a building they could shelter in is the safest option as conditions can change suddenly.
Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
What you should do:
- Monitor changes, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility that indicated the situation is changing.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
If the situation changes you will need to leave quickly. Plan to take pets, medications, mobile phone and charger. Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
Emergency services may not be able to help if people decide to stay.
The next update is expected by 6.10pm or as the situation changes.
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).
If you can see or smell smoke:
- 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.
Earlier
Country Fire Authority crews are on their way to a grass and scrub fire at Goornong.
About 10 acres are ablaze.
Elmore and Toolleen brigades are responding.
More to come
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