By KATH GANNAWAY
FIRE crews will stay on the job to ensure containment lines around a 29-hectare fire in steep, rocky terrain eight kilometres south-east of Powelltown.
The fire started in a logging coupe near Learmonth Creek Road at around 6.45pm on Monday night prompting Advice Messages to nearby towns including Brittania Creek, Millgrove, Powelltown, Warburton, Wesburn and Yarra Junction.
As of 3.40pm this afternoon the fire has been confirmed as contained but Woori Yallock Incident Controller David Nugent told the Mail given the weather, with hot dry windy conditions prevailing, and sharp wind changes expected between 8pm and 10pm tonight, fire crews would remain on site.
Crews involving 58 fire-fighters from DEPI, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, CFA and VicForests, and including air support, worked throughout the night and into today, and will continue to monitor the site identifying hot spots and strengthening containment lines.
The fire is suspected to have been caused by machinery working in the coupe.
“We can’t definitely say this is what caused the fire, but an aspect of the operation had something to do with the fire,” Mr Nugent said.
He said fire investigators were being brought in to try to establish the specific cause.
Today is a day of Total Fire Ban across Victoria and Mr Nugent said people need to stay aware and informed by tuning into ABC local radio, designated commercial and community radio stations or SKY News TV.
Up to date information and warnings can be accessed at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the FireReady App or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
