Jade Jungwirth
A large grassfire at Cairn Curran Reservoir near Baringhup on Saturday required the response of 12 tankers, one big fill, a number of smaller vehicles and air support from Firebird 3.
CFA crews from Maldon, Walmer, Newstead, Baringhup and Carisbrook CFA battled the blaze in difficult terrain that included rabbit burrows, bull rushes and wet sand.
As bigger trucks became bogged and a mechanical issue sent Maldon’s Tanker 1 back to the station for repairs, the fast-moving grassfire spread quickly, burning through approximately 25 acres.
The fire, which is believed to have been caused by a motorbike being ridden through long grass, is under investigation.
While attending the scene, Firebird 3 became aware of a second fire a few kilometres away at Goughs Range Road, Welshmans Reef, threatening a house on the property.
The air crew was able to contain the fire quickly and several trucks were diverted from the Cairn Curran fire to assist with clean up. The cause of that fire is believed to be from use of an angle grinder.
A man at the scene was treated for upper body burns and flown by air ambulance to the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.
These incidents provide a timely reminder to be careful using equipment in grassy areas where, despite the cooler weather, the grass remains dry.
