Elderly couple’s garden and fence destroyed by out-of-control grassfire in Taylors Lakes

An out-of-control fire threatened homes as it blazed through grassland in Taylors Lakes on Monday evening.

Ted and Val Skinner were home during a grassfire in Taylors Lakes. Picture: Josie Hayden

An elderly couple are among those who have had their fence and shed destroyed by an out-of-control grassfire in Melbourne’s north.

Firefighters were battling two fires near the Calder Freeway in Taylors Lakes, in Melbourne’s north, on Monday afternoon.

One was started by a car fire in a paddock at Rowlandson Place about 3.30pm, and travelled from Calder Park in a south-easterly direction.

The other blaze threatened the back fence of a home in Rowell Place, sparking a warning for residents who live next to burning grassland to walk at least two streets back from the fire.

The area was deemed safe at 8.25pm after the fire was brought under control about 5.30pm.

The grassfire reached properties on Rowell Place in Taylors Lakes. Picture: Josie Hayden

Resident Ted Skinner, 74, said he and his wife Val, 70, own one of about five properties that had fences destroyed.

“It started small and by the time I got outside, it was nearly at our fences,” Mr Skinner, 74, said.

“My garden is totally destroyed. It took me 20 years to put this garden together.

“My shed’s gone with all my tools. I reckon $10,000 worth of tools.

“I couldn’t believe how fast a fire moves.”

Mr Skinner said “all my windows are broken from the heat”, and it “smells shocking inside”.

“All the curtains are damaged,” he said.

“I stayed and fought, I didn’t go two streets back.

“I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face, the smoke was that thick.

“But we’re safe. The paramedics took care of us.”

Mr Skinner said he and wife Val, 70, rang the council “quite regularly” to request the land near their home be mowed.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said Monday’s scorching heat served as a reminder for people to have their fire plans in place.

“Critically, you’ve got to know when to put the plan into action,” he said.

“If you’re waiting until you see the smoke you’ve left it far, far too late.”