An emergency warning was issued for Kyneton on Saturday after a grassfire broke out near the Calder Freeway.
The fire had a one-kilometre perimeter impacting properties along Tattersall Drive, Kelly Close, Tonks Court and Patterson Drive.
Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of firefighting crews (roughly 35 appliances), Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Forest Fire Management and VicRoads, the fire was brought under control, and the warning was downgraded shortly after containment.
Helicopter support from Bendigo Airbase played a crucial role in the initial response.
The Calder Freeway was closed during the incident to ensure community and responder safety. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Incident controller Josh Gamble highlighted the importance of preparation, emphasising that grassfires posed a real threat to urban fringe areas.
“Under the right conditions, a fire can cause significant damage in a short amount of time,” he said.
“So many people still think it won’t happen to them, but the grassfire risk is very real in urban interface areas, and residents need to plan accordingly.”
Mr Gamble urged residents to take responsibility for their properties and to act now to reduce the risk of fire.
“Anyone living in an urban rural grassland area holds the responsibility of knowing the risks they face and should be preparing now – you need to clear weeds, sticks and leaves, and remove firewood, rubbish and other fuel from around your property.”
He also stressed the importance of personal preparation in addition to property readiness.
“The risk posed by these urban grassfires can be quite different to a bushfire. Often, simply sheltering in your home, or moving one street back from the fire is the safest option. Either way, you need to plan what you’ll do now, ahead of the summer fire season,” he said.
