PREMIUM
News

Firefighters battled grass fire

author avatar
Blaze: A firefighter makes sure the fire is fully out in this area. Photo by Megan Fisher

Update, 3.30pm:

Firefighters are starting to be stood down from a grass fire at Marungi on Friday, November 17.

CFA District 22 Commander Rod Railton said some fire trucks still remained on scene, but others had been sent back to their bases.

Fire: Firefighters at the scene of a grass fire at Marungi on Friday. Photo by Megan Fisher

A firefighting helicopter en-route from the Ovens area was also turned back after firefighters on the ground brought the blaze under control.

At its height, 14 trucks from 12 different brigades fought the fire.

Earlier, 2.25pm:

Firefighters are battling a grass fire in paddocks at Marungi on Friday, November 17.

CFA District 22 Commander Rod Railton said the fire on the Katamatite-Shepparton Rd started about 1.30pm after a tyre came off a truck and ignited nearby grass.

Ten fire trucks are currently at the fire just east of Labuan Rd, which is heading in a northerly direction from Katamatite-Shepparton Rd.

A firefighting helicopter is also on its way to the blaze.

The blaze was not brought under control until 2.20pm.

Mr Railton said no structures had been burnt or were under threat.

Hard work: The fire destroyed about seven hectares of grass at Marungi. Photo by Megan Fisher

VicEmergency has released a grass fire advice message for Marungi and Invergordon.

VicEmergency says there is currently no threat to people in the area, but they should stay informed and monitor conditions.

It warns that smoke may be visible in the area.

Motorists travelling south on Katamatite-Shepparton Rd are being diverted around the scene, while traffic travelling from the north is being allowed through, but is reduced to one lane.

Closed: Police block the Katamatite-Shepparton Rd during a grass fire at Marungi. Photo by Megan Fisher