Emergency services have issued a community alert after a significant building fire spread to surrounding grassland near the town of Shelford, southwest of Geelong.
Firefighters Battle Blaze in Rural Setting
The incident was reported on Tuesday afternoon, with Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews receiving multiple calls about a structure alight on Shelford-Bamganie Road. Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with a well-developed fire that had already escaped the building and ignited dry grass in the vicinity.
The CFA confirmed that the initial call came in just after 4:30 PM. More than 30 firefighters and multiple appliances were deployed to tackle the dual threat of the structural blaze and the fast-moving grass fire. Aerial support was also requested to help contain the spread across the paddocks.
Community Urged to Stay Informed
Authorities quickly issued an emergency warning for the area, urging residents to stay vigilant. The official advice stated that while there was no immediate threat to lives or homes, the situation could change rapidly given the dry conditions and available fuel load in the rural landscape.
The warning specifically advised locals to:
- Monitor the situation via the VicEmergency app or website.
- Be prepared to act if conditions deteriorate.
- Avoid the area to allow emergency vehicles clear access.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to establish containment lines around the grass fire while also attempting to bring the original building fire under control. The cause of the initial blaze is not yet known and will be investigated once the site is made safe.
Containment and Aftermath
By early evening, crews had made significant progress. The grass fire was contained and the building fire was brought under control, preventing any loss of neighbouring properties. No injuries were reported to residents or emergency personnel.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the heightened fire risk in regional Victoria, even outside the traditional summer danger period. The quick transition from a structure fire to a grass fire underscores how rapidly emergencies can escalate, particularly in areas surrounded by dry vegetation.
CFA officials praised the coordinated response and reiterated the importance of community awareness. They reminded all residents in rural and regional areas to have a bushfire survival plan and to report any signs of fire immediately.
