About 50 firefighters and 20 CFA units called to massive grass and scrub blazes along Moe-Rawson Rd in Moondarra, south of Erica

A volunteer Gippsland firey’s car was crushed under a tree as they battled a large scrub blaze about the size of a few football ovals.

About 50 firefighters and 20 CFA units were called to bush and scrub fires along the Moe-Rawson Rd in Moondarra, south of Erica, at 1.28am on Monday, September 02, 2024. Picture: Facebook/Erica & District Fire Brigade

CONTENT SUMMARY BELOW:

A volunteer firey’s car was crushed by a falling tree while they helped about 50 colleagues battle a large grass blaze in Victoria’s southeast.

Emergency services, including 20 CFA units, responded to the fires along Moe-Rawson Rd in Moondarra — south of Erica in Gippsland’s Baw Baw Shire region — at 1.28am on Monday.

A crew member's car was crushed by a tree while they were helping put out the scrub fires in Moondarra early on Monday morning. Picture: Facebook/Walhalla

A Walhalla Facebook page shared their thanks to the Erica & District Fire Brigade and neighbouring brigades for their fast action.

“Sorry for the car parked in Erica belonging to one of the firefighters... while you’re out fighting a fire, your car gets pancaked!,” the page wrote.

“One wild night that’s for sure... and it’s not over yet.

“If you don’t need to be in the region today... it may be wise to not visit today.”

A CFA spokesperson said the first responding crew upgraded the incident, initially calling for eight tankers before increasing the request to 15.

The CFA arrive at the scene and prepare to put out the fires. Picture: Facebook/Erica & District Fire Brigade

The fires were caused by a fallen power line. Picture: Facebook/Erica & District Fire Brigade

“A series of spot fires the size of a few football ovals were caused as a result of a fallen power line,” they said.

The CFA spokesperson said two forward command vehicles and two big fills from Nilma North and Traralgon East also assisted at the scene.

“The fire was under control within about two hours, aided by a large storm cell which brought much needed rain,” the spokesperson said.

The CFA spokesperson added the fire burnt about four hectares and was brought under control at 3.10am.

“A Watch and Act warning was issued at 2.25am asking residents in the area to stay close to a building and shelter,” the spokesperson said.

CFA fireys at the scene in Moondarra. Picture: Facebook/Erica & District Fire Brigade

“This warning was downgraded to an Advice message at 3.27am.

“The incident was declared safe just before 4am.”

The Erica & District Fire Brigade thanked all their volunteers from across Gippsland who assisted.

Strong winds also brought down trees in the surrounding areas.

Anyone with more information or witnessed the incident is urged to contact the Rawson police station on [phone].

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.