9pm
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POLICE have deemed a fire on the Calder Freeway non-suspicious, after it burnt more than 10 hectares just south of Kyneton.
6.15pm
THE Calder Freeway has re-opened for a single lane of northbound traffic after a fire.
It remains closed for Melbourne-bound traffic between Kyneton and Carlsruhe.
Southbound traffic should detour via Edgecombe Street, Trentham Road and Carlsruhe Central Road to return to the Calder Freeway.
Other news:
The Department of Transport has asked motorists to avoid the area where possible, be patient, and to follow the direction of emergency services.
4.30pm
A FIRE on the Calder Freeway is being treated as possibly suspicious, subject to police investigation of its cause.
The fire near Kyneton was controlled shortly before 4.30pm after it burnt more than 10 hectares on both sides of the Calder.
An warning for residents of Fairbairn Place Kyneton has been downgraded to advice. Residents have been told their is no threat to them, but they should stay informed and monitor conditions.
The Calder Freeway remains closed, a Department of Transport spokesperson said this would likely continue into the evening.
Emergency services battled the blaze for more than an hour before it was controlled.
A Country Fire Authority spokesperson said crews would remain on scene mopping up and blacking out for some time.
They said police were investigating the fire, which was being treated as suspicious.
Forest Fire Management and Victoria Police were also on scene.
An advice warning from VicEmergency has urged residents of the area to keep roads clear so emergency services could respond.
They have been urged to monitor conditions.
Smoke may be visible from nearby roads and communities.
VicEmergency has warned smoke can affect people's lungs, with those with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people more sensitive to its effects.
Those with existing heart or lung conditions should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.
If you need medical advice for burns or smoke exposure contact your doctor or Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
Stay up to date at: emergency.vic.gov.au/
3.20pm
RESIDENTS of Fairbairn Place in Kyneton have been urged to watch and act as a fire travels north west along the Calder Freeway.
The CFA has issued a warning about the fire, travelling forth west from near Cobb & Co Road along the Calder.
The Calder Freeway has been closed while firefighters battle the blaze, with motorists urged to avoid the area.
Residents have been urged to stay close to a building they can shelter in, as conditions may change suddenly.
They have been told to stay informed an monitor conditions, including wind speed, direction, smoke and visibility.
Anyone away from home has been urged not to return.
The warning says residents may need to leave quickly if the situation changes. It says they should plan to take pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
People have been advised to travel to the home of family or friends who are away from the warning area.
The CFA has warned emergency services may not be able to help anyone who decides to stay.
About 20 CFA vehicles are responding to the blaze, in addition to air support. About 10 acres has been affected by the fire.
The Calder Freeway is closed in both directions between Woodend and Kyneton.
The Department of Transport has advised northbound traffic heading towards Bendigo to detour at Black Forest Drive, through Woodend, Tylden and Kyneton, returning to the freeway at Burton Avenue.
Southbound traffic, heading towards Melbourne, should detour at Edgecombe Street and follow Trentham Road through Woodend to return to the Calder.
The department urged motorists to avoid the area and follow the directions of emergency services.
Drivers should use their headlights in areas of smoke, with windows closed and air-conditioning set to recirculate.
If visibility deteriorates and it becomes unsafe to continue driving, motorists should pull over, off a roadway, with hazard lights.
VicEmergency has warned smoke can affect people's lungs, with those with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people more sensitive to its effects.
Those with existing heart or lung conditions should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.
If you need medical advice for burns or smoke exposure contact your doctor or Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
Stay up to date at: emergency.vic.gov.au/
Earlier
FIREFIGHTERS are battling a blaze on the Calder Freeway near Kyneton.
The Country Fire Authority said the fire was located in the south bound area and not yet under control.
The fire was called in at 2.43pm.
Two tankers were on scene shortly before 3pm, with more on the way.
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