Cause of fire near Ballarat revealed after residents forced to evacuate

Investigators believe they have pinpointed the cause of a fire which was burning out of control near Ballarat.

A Watch and Act message was issued by the Country Fire Authority at on Wednesday for the bushfire at Ascot, north of Ballarat.

On Thursday morning investigators announced they believe they pinpointed the cause of a fire which burned out of control near Ballarat on Wednesday evening.

The grass and scrub fire which started on Addington Rd, Ascot, about 3.20pm is believed to have been caused by a slasher.

A spokesperson from the CFA said this was a “timely reminder to exercise extreme caution when grinding, welding, slashing or mowing on your property”.

Residents were warned to leave their homes on Wednesday when the fire was rapidly burning across the landscape on the outskirts of Ballarat.

After the fire started it began to move north towards Glendonald Rd.

About 20 fire trucks were at the scene fighting the fire, which was declared under control after 4.15pm.

A fire burned across land in Ascot on Wednesday.

People were advised to leave and take pets, medications, mobile phones, and chargers with them.

Crews successfully protected homes under threat; with only a small amount of livestock loss reported and the total area impacted estimated to be 13Ha.

A Watch and Act message was issued by the Country Fire Authority for the bushfire north of Ballarat.

Victoria Police managed traffic in the area.

By 5.10pm, residents were informed they could resume normal activities as the warning was downgraded to an advice message.