Emergency services battle Inverleigh grassfire
A fire near Inverleigh burnt about 70 hectares on Monday afternoon before it was declared safe, after the CFA requested air support to help tackle the blaze.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A grassfire at Brocks Rd in Shelford burnt about 70 hectares on Monday afternoon after a stay informed message was issued by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for nearby communities.
A CFA spokesman said firefighters responded to reports of the about 2:35pm.
“Twenty-five CFA units from multiple local brigades attended the scene alongside Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria,” he said.
“Upon arrival, crews found a grass and scrub fire travelling in an easterly direction towards Inverleigh-Shelford Road.”
The spokesman said about 70 hectares were burnt.
“Crews conducted strategic back burning operations to contain the fire and prevent further spread,” he said.
The incident was deemed under control about 4pm safe at shortly before 7pm on Monday.
EARLIER: Authorities have issued a warning to residents around Inverleigh and Shelford as a grassfire rages between the two townships.
The Country Fire Authority put out an “advice – stay informed” warning just before 3pm and said the grassfire was travelling north towards Shelford from the Hamilton Hwy at Inverleigh.
More than two dozen vehicles from multiple brigades, along with Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, raced to the scene after emergency services received reports of a grassfire at about 2.35pm.
A CFA spokesman said the air attack support had been requested to assist crews on the ground.
“Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads,” the spokesman said.
“There is currently no threat to the Beyond The Valley Festival.”
The CFA warning states there was currently no threat, but those affected should stay informed, monitor conditions and keep roads clear to aid emergency services.
The next update is expected by at 9pm or as the situation changes.
Originally published as Emergency services battle Inverleigh grassfire
Not superhuman: Magistrate’s warning to P-plate crash driver
A woman was left with a broken jaw after a P-plater crossed a median strip onto the wrong side of the road and crashed into a traffic light in Belmont, a court has heard.
‘Urgently needed’ housing investment crucial for Geelong
With a federal election looming in May, the region’s peak alliance has laid down their three priorities for funding from Canberra. See what they were.