Blaze sparks warning against littering

Police say Tuesday’s fire at the bridge on Watt Rd, Mooroopna, is a stark reminder not to litter.

About 4.30 pm on January 12, emergency services responded to reports of smoke from the bridge, with the road closed at the Mooroopna end for about an hour.

CFA said the incident was declared under control about 15 minutes later, with two units attending supported by Fire Rescue Victoria.

Investigators have determined the fire was not deliberately lit, with a discarded cigarette butt sparking the afternoon blaze.

Detective Senior Constable Luke Arrowsmith said the fire wasn’t being treated as suspicious but urged people to be cautious.

‘‘Police are urging people not to throw cigarette butts out of car windows at any time, let alone now when it’s hot,’’ he said.

The bridge was reopened after an engineer’s assessment had taken place and the bridge was deemed safe. It will close to traffic again on Thursday between 10 am and noon to replace the height restrictor, which was recently damaged by a large vehicle.

Council workers will also complete an inspection of the bridge following the blaze.