BURN-OFF SOUNDS ALARM FOR SEASON
AN out-of-control burn-off is suspected for a 30ha fire near Teesdale yesterday.
Twenty CFA crews were called to a fire in a paddock at Corindhap, northwest of Geelong, about 2pm.
CFA spokesman Dave Stephens said the fire burnt through 30ha near the corner of Trendes Lane and Pinchgut Rd.
“Crews were called out at about 2pm and the fire was under control by 3.30pm,” Mr Stephens said.
He said it was an example of how quickly a burn-off could get out of control.
“The fire burnt 30ha, which is a reasonable area on a benign day. It is a timely warning of what is lying ahead (this fire season),” he said.
Mr Stephens said landowners should check with their council or CFA to determine if a permit was needed for a burn-off.
“People need to over-cater when they are completing a burn-off with people and resources,” he said.
Mr Stephens said a CFA crew fighting the grass fire had to abandon its truck after a mechanical failure.
“There was a CFA truck that had superficial burns after it had some mechanical trouble,” he said.
“The crew activated the truck’s protection system, which sprays water over the wheels. But the crew was not in danger at any stage.”
A watch-and-act warning was issued for Dereel and Corindhap but it was withdrawn by 5pm.
CFA crews were also called to an illegal burn-off in Drews Rd, Marshall.