Spectacular burn-off jumps road

The view over Lake Mulwala as the stubble fire burns throughout the night.

Spring Drive east of Mulwala was blocked off by police for an hour on Monday afternoon after a paddock burn-off jumped the fence at two spots along the road.

Police blocked the road at Kyffins Reserve, east of Bull Plains Road, through to Drain Lane for, diverting traffic as fire crews responded to the outbreak.

Rural Fire Service Federation zone captain Greyd’n Davis said a whirly-wind, perhaps created by the fire itself, caused the burn-off to jump the firebreak.

In one section, the flames jumped Spring Drive and ignited a tree on the south side of the road.

Another tree had to be removed after it was burnt-out.

The spots where the burn-off jumped Spring Drive.
The burnt-out tree on the south side of Spring Drive.

Bridages from Mulwala/Tarramia, Ringwood, Redlands and Federation Support attended the outbreak, which was initially called in at 4.53pm.

Another view over Lake Mulwala of the stubble burn-off.

The two nearby outbreaks were part of a large multi-kilometre paddock burn running adjacent to the road to the north. Council took over traffic control after police roadblocks were lifted.

RFS deemed the fire safe at 6.45pm and the huge paddock burn continued into the night, making from some striking views across Lake Mulwala.

Mr Davis said the RFS zone had attended three burn-off outbreaks this season, a blaze jumping breaks at Barooga most recently.

“We encourage everyone to burn with care as it is incredibly dry,” he said.

Mr Davis said agricultural burns will continue for the next six to eight weeks, and urged people not to report fires just upon sighting smoke after several “false calls” recently.

“It people see fire has escaped onto a road or over a fence, they should call it in,” he said.

“But don’t be too alarmed unless you see something unattended.”

The view over Lake Mulwala as the stubble fire burns throughout the afternoon.