On Wednesday, December 13, at about 10am, CFA brigades from across the region were called to a fire at Yundool.
A total of 24 vehicles, including two fire-bombing helicopters, responded to the grassfire.
A message issued by the CFA said there was no immediate threat to the community, and no action was required for residents.
The incident was reported safe at about 1pm.
A Total Fire Ban was declared in the Wimmera, Mallee and Northern Country districts, where the grass fire occurred, at 12.01am on Wednesday morning and remain in place until 11.59pm in the evening.
Deputy group officer Charlie Sexton attended the fire as part of the Benalla CFA.
He described the circumstances of the fire in Yundool and what people should do to stay safe this fire season.
“At this stage, it looks like a lightning strike (started the fire),” Mr Sexton said.
“It took us around 45 minutes to control the 20-hectare fire.
“It is just within a total fire ban area, announced this morning.
“It is all about people being aware.
“Don’t travel to the fire. Don’t travel through the area if you know there’s something there.
“It’s a good idea that total fire bans are happening in the area, and people should have fire plans in place and be ready.
“They’re not thinking about doing it now. They need to have done stuff already. So if they haven’t done anything, we ask that they do at least one thing to try and make themselves safer.”
The Ensign spoke to Mr Sexton before the fire danger period to find out what homeowners, small land-holders and farmers could do to stay safe during this period.
You can read the article How to prepare for grass fires as fire danger period approaches by clicking here.
Keep yourself informed of any fires this summer through multiple sources:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au/
- VicEmergency Hotline — free call 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.
- Call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (free call) and ask the operator to call the 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 the operator to call the VicEmergency Hotline.