Firefighters and firefighting helicopters were called to a property on Edinburgh Road Montrose over the weekend to extinguish an out of control burn off.
The call came through around 5.50pm for a grassfire on Saturday 21 January, with crews from Montrose, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Lilydale, Coldstream, Bayswater, Kalorama and Mt Dandenong, The Basin, Wandin and Yellingbo respond.
“When CFA crews arrived on-scene they found a 50 X 20 metre area of scrub on fire involving around 20 trees in a hard to access area,” a CFA spokesperson said.
“Two water bombing helicopters were called in to assist due to limited truck access and helped slow the fire down.”
The helicopter was seen filling up with water at Lillydale Lake that evening.
“No buildings were involved and crews were released just after 19:30,” CFA said.
After bringing the blaze under control, an advice warning was issued for the surrounding suburbs for smoke visibility.
CFA crews used the incident as a reminder for safe practices when it comes to burning off over summer.
“When burning off, there is always some degree of risk,” Montrose CFA posted to social media.
Before burning off, ensure:
– You’re following regulations or laws by CFA and your local council.
– You notify your neighbours if your activity will generate fire and smoke.
– Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterwards.
– Establish a gap in vegetation or fire break with no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material.
– There are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.
– You notify the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA)
To find more information, go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/burning-off
