Firefighters battle 460ha bushfire east of Ararat for 10 hours

Firefighters spent 10 hours tackling a fire in the state’s west that spread to an area larger than 800 AFL football fields. See the pictures.

Firefighting aircraft take on the fire at Buangor on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Wayne Rigg - FRV

Sixty firefighting vehicles and several aircraft fought a bushfire in the state’s west on Thursday that grew to cover more ground than 800 AFL football fields.

Emergency services were called to a grass and scrub fire at Hillside Rd in Buangor, east of Ararat, at 12.16pm on Thursday.

Three hours later, the fire continued to spread, moving south from Challicum Hills towards Geelong Road.

The fire at Buangor spread to the ground below turbines at Challicum Hills Wind Farm. Picture: Wayne Rigg - FRV

It was 10.18pm before the blaze was brought under control.

By 10am on Friday, eight CFA vehicles, including two water carts, and two reinforcing aircraft remained at the scene.

A CFA spokeswoman said there had been no loss of homes or other structures.

The flames covered 460ha before firefighters put a stop to them. Photo: Facebook/Haddon CFA Brigade and Auxiliary

Residents of Ballyrogan, Buangor, and Challicum were advised to stay informed about conditions.

A spokeswoman for Pacific Hydro, which runs Challicum Hills Wind Farm, said all turbines were shut down and the area evacuated as the fire broke out.

“Working with the local emergency services, we have since completed a detailed a safety inspection and can confirm there is no known damage to the wind turbines, and the ongoing

work on the site by way of vegetation management has assisted in minimising damage and

containing the fire,” she said.

The fire is not currently being treated as suspicious.