Barfold fire: Twenty six units battling grass fire near Bendigo

Six towns have been told to remain alert as a grass fire continues to burn in scrubland north of Melbourne.

A large grass fire has broken out in Barfold in Victoria’s north. File picture.

Residents in six towns have been told to remain alert as a large grass fire continues to burn through land in between Bendigo and the Macedon Ranges.

The fire, which is more than 12 acres in size, broke out at 1.25pm on Thursday on Morgans Rd in Barfold.

A CFA spokesman said the fire was spotted by watchers at the Mount Ida fire tower, who noticed a column of smoke in the area.

Twenty-six fire crews are on the scene trying to bring the blaze under control, which appears to be burning near Mount Alexander and the Metcalfe Nature Conservation Reserve.

The CFA issued a watch and act alert for Barfold residents and those in townships including Glenhope, Langley, Metcalfe, Metcalfe East and Redesdale at 2.15pm.

They downgraded the alert to ‘stay informed’ about 4pm.

“There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and monitor conditions,” the CFA said.

“Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.”

Emergency services are tipped to remain in the are for several hours as they attempt to bring the fire under control, and smoke may be visible from nearby communities.

The CFA is tipped to provide an update at 6.20pm, or earlier if the situation changes, and anyone affected can monitor developments through the VicEmergency app and website.