Grass fire near Buangor posed a serious threat to communities

A grass fire on the Western Highway, near Buangor, posed a serious threat to surrounding communities yesterday afternoon. At one point in the afteroon an Emergency Warning was in place for a number of townships.

The fire was declared under control late yesterday but Vic Emergency still advised people to practice caution as smoke was still visible from neighbouring roads and communities on Thursday afternoon.

An advice message told Ballyrogan, Buangor, Dobie and Warrak landowners to stay informed and monitor conditions.

Firefighters will remain on site for the several days to further extinguish the blaze. The fire was travelling in south-east towards the Challicum Hills Wind Farm.

CFA District 16 Operations Officer Ian Morley told The Ararat Advertiser, “the cause appears to be accidental from a vehicle losing a wheel or mechanical damage.”

All trains have been travelling as usual, although, the highway was still closed in the earlier hours of this morning. It has now been reopened with speed limitations of 40km/h in both directions, near the Langi Ghiran State Park.