Update, 8.30am:
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POLICE have deemed a fire at Bobs Street in White Hills on Saturday as suspicious, saying they are investigating.
Nearby residents were evacuated during the blaze, but police say no one was injured and no property damaged.
Emergency services first responded to the grass fire at about 3.30pm, in grassland between Bobs Street and Murphy Street next to the O'Keefe Rail Trail.
The fire quickly spread to threaten surrounding businesses and homes. Residents of Strickland Road were evacuated as a precaution.
Emergency services eventually maintained the fire, which was monitored overnight.
Detectives from the Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the blaze.
Investigators would like to speak to anyone in the area who may have witnessed any of the fires, or persons and vehicles near the fires about the time they began.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or to make a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
10pm:
CFA has issued information regarding the fire at Bobs Street earlier today. See below.
This message is being issued for Ascot, Bendigo, California Gully, East Bendigo, Jackass Flat, Junortoun, Kennington, Long Gully, North Bendigo, Quarry Hill, Strathdale, Wellsford, White Hills.
- There was a grass fire in Bobs Street, Bendigo.
- This fire is now safe.
- Smoke may be visible from nearby roads and communities.
- Firefighters will continue to patrol the area.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
For more information on preparing for grass fires visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/am-i-at-risk.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires).
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/warning/10440/moreinfo
Update, 7.15pm:
EAST Bendigo residents had their cars packed, ready to leave as smoke filled the air on Saturday afternoon.
A fire near the O'Keefe rail trail burnt for about two hours before firefighters could control it, spreading as the wind blew to the south east.
At least three helicopters hovered over the scene, dropping water on the blaze.
By 5pm police had blocked Murphy Street as the fire moved towards nearby parking and the site of former Bendigo East School.
To the south, on Strickland Road, residents hosed down their houses as smoke billowed from grassland between homes and the rail line.
Read more:
Police and residents extinguished at least one small spot fire in the front yard of a house.
Many packed their cars and left.
Strickland Road residents Brittany and Jonny Hayton had their children in the car, ready to leave if asked to by the Country Fire Authority.
Mr Hayton first noticed something was wrong at about 4pm, via a notification on the VicEmergency App. He went outside and saw smoke to the north.
By 6pm they'd been keeping an eye on the conditions for two hours.
They'd lived in the bush for 10 years before six months in East Bendigo, but hadn't experienced a fire like it.
Mr Hayton said the emergency service response was impressive, with police and firefighters right onto it.
"You definitely feel safe," he said.
About 6pm the CFA advised the blaze was under control.
On Murphy Street Catherine Popple had smelt smoke and ash before the sirens went off.
It was about 3.30pm, and she soon heard sirens go off. She began to make calls, check the VicEmergency App and pack, before seeing black smoke at about 4pm.
If the firies had said, "Go", she would have been out.
Ms Popple said was a scary experience watching the fire, not knowing what was going to happen.
6pm:
The fire has now been brought under control. See below for the latest info from CFA.
This Advice message is being issued for Bendigo, East Bendigo, North Bendigo, White Hills.
- There is a grassfire at Bobs St, Bendigo that is now under control.
- This Advice message replaces the Watch and Act message issued at 5.30pm.
There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and monitor conditions.
It is safe to return home if you have left.
What you should do:
- Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
- If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Impacts in your area:
- Grassfires can create a lot of smoke.
- Smoke may be visible from nearby roads and communities.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
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).
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.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires).
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
- To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/warning/10430/moreinfo
Update, 5.47pm:
A third helicopter is now at the scene.
The fire is not yet under control.
Update, 5.30pm:
Watch and Act message issued. See below.
Issued Today at 5:30 PM.
This Watch & Act message is being issued for Bendigo, East Bendigo, North Bendigo, White Hills.
- There is a grassfire at Bobs St, Bendigo that is not yet under control. Firefighters have been unable to stop the fire and it is travelling along side the train line between Bobs Street and Murphy Street.
- Firefighters and aircraft are attending this fire.
- Avoid driving in the area.
If you live directly next to grassland, quickly walk two or more streets away from the fire. Grass fires are unlikely to spread past the first row of houses.
If your home is surrounded by grasslands, you should immediately shelter within your home. It is not safe for you to leave.
What you should do:
If you live right next to grassland, quickly move two streets away:
- When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- If you are away from home do not return. Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
If you live two or more streets away from the grassland you should shelter indoors:
- Bring your pets indoors.
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents.
- Turn off cooling systems.
- Monitor conditions.
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Impacts in your area:
- Grassfires can start and spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
- Grassfires can generate extreme heat. Staying near shelter is the safest option.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
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.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires).
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
- To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
Update, 5.24pm:
A small spot fire broke out on Strickland Road, but was extinguished quickly by residents and police.
Strickland Road has been blocked from Solomon Street.
Update, 5.20pm:
Forest Fire Management and CFA are on the scene of what appears to be a second fire behind houses on Riley Street and Strickland Road.
Visibility is less than 200 metres.
Residents in the area are hosing down their houses as a precaution.
Update, 5pm:
Police have blocked Murphy Street from the Strickland Road entrance and are evacuating cars from the area.
Update, 4.50pm:
A CFA spokesperson said all train services which used the nearby rail had been stopped.
"Helicopters are at the scene working on the fire that is burning within a contained area," the spokesperson said.
"With the warm and overcast weather it is bringing warm and gusty winds.
"Crews are still working on bringing it under control at this stage."
Update, 4.34pm:
Police and ambulance are also on the scene at the grass and scrub fire between Murphy Street and Bobs Street.
Air support is currently making repeated drops to tackle the fire.
Update, 4pm:
BENDIGO residents near Bobs Street have been warned to stay informed and monitor conditions as firefighters battle a grass and scrub fire.
The Country Fire Authority has issued the warning to Bendigo, East Bendigo, North Bendigo and White Hills residents.
Smoke may be visible nearby, but there is no threat to residents.
Residents are asked to keep roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Anyone needing medical advice for burns or exposure to smoke can contact Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
OTHER NEWS:
Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tighness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
Stay up to date with emergency alerts at:
- emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
Earlier:
FIREFIGHTERS have paged air support to help fight a grass and scrub fire on Bobs Street, Bendigo.
The Country Fire Authority was called to the blaze at about 3.20pm on Saturday.
A CFA representative said there was no threat to the nearby rail line.
Some smoke may be visible in the area.
Four trucks are on the scene.
More to come.
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