Firefighters and police are treating two fires that broke out at Woodend on Saturday as suspicious.
Woodend CFA captain Mike Dornau was first at the scene in parkland near Shirley Park just before noon and discovered an area of about half an acre fully involved, with flames creeping up several large cyprus trees.
Seven tankers turned out from Woodend, Macedon, Carlsruhe, Tylden, Newham and Hesket.
“It took just over two hours to bring the fire under control and black out,” Mr Dornau said.
“We arrived back at station around 2pm and were packing up, when we were called to another fire in the same area.”
Once again, Mr Dornau was first on scene and discovered a smaller fire about 100 metres from the original.
“Police were called to both fires and they are believed to be suspicious,” Mr Dornau said.
“Someone witnessed children fleeing the scene so if you see a group of children in the parkland near Shirley Park please keep an eye on them.”
