CFA brigades brought the fire under control fairly quickly.
Photo by
Daniel Harvey
A suspected spark from a tractor is believed to have started a grassfire that burnt about 35 hectares of farmland and hay at Wyuna on Thursday afternoon.
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More than 50 firefighters in 18 CFA tankers, support vehicles and a water bombing helicopter battled the blaze, prompting a warning from the CFA just days ahead of the Fire Danger Period.
Emergency services were called to McNee Rd about 1.30pm, with brigades from Echuca, Tongala, Kyabram, Undera, Merrigum and Yambuna responding, and police blocking off the Wyuna and Hawdon Rd turnoff.
About 35 hectares of farmland and hay was burnt.
Photo by
Daniel Harvey
CFA Campaspe Commander Paul Elso said the fire burnt through paddocks used for hay production and destroyed baled hay before crews brought it under control.
“It looks like a tractor hit a rock or something, which has started the fire,” Mr Elso said.
No-one was injured.
Mr Elso praised the swift response from local volunteers.
“At this time of year our CFA brigades are in a state of readiness, ready to jump on things hard and fast as they come,” he said.
“They are committed volunteers.”
The fire prompted a Watch and Act warning for nearby residents at 2.06pm before being downgraded to an Advice message at 2.33pm once the threat was reduced.
CFA support vehicles were among the response turn-out.
Photo by
Daniel Harvey
With the Fire Danger Period due to start across Campaspe on Monday, November 9, Mr Elso said the blaze should serve as a timely reminder for farmers and landholders to take extra precautions during the harvest season.
“Make sure all farmers maintain their equipment as best as possible and use good hygiene practices,” he said.
“Air out their equipment, make sure there’s water available in the paddock, and have a spotter nearby when they’re operating tractors.”
Earlier that afternoon, CFA crews had also been called to an out-of-control burn-off at Lancaster, which drew resources away from the Wyuna fire.
Mr Elso said the incident highlighted the importance of managing burn-offs carefully as summer approached.
“It’s critical now that burn-offs are controlled, that water is available and nearby, and they are registered and extinguished properly as we head into summer,” he said.
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