Emergency services rushed to contain a grass fire in the Geelong suburb of St Leonards on Thursday afternoon, with the blaze igniting at a location that was the target of a deliberate arson attack just last year.
Fire crews battle Bellarine Highway blaze
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) received multiple calls reporting smoke and flames near the intersection of Murradoc Road and the Bellarine Highway shortly after 4:30 PM. Firefighters from the St Leonards brigade were first on the scene, finding a fast-moving grass fire threatening roadside vegetation.
The fire burned through approximately one hectare of grass and scrub before crews could bring it under control. Additional resources were called in to assist, with tankers and firefighters from neighbouring stations like Leopold and Drysdale joining the effort to establish containment lines.
Authorities confirmed there was no immediate threat to homes or buildings, but the proximity to the major highway caused significant traffic disruptions during the evening commute. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and exercise caution.
A troubling history of deliberate fires
This latest incident has raised serious concerns for local residents and emergency services due to its location. The site is the same area where a suspicious fire was lit in February of the previous year, which was later confirmed by police to be a deliberate act of arson.
That previous fire required a substantial response from fire crews and caused considerable alarm in the community. The repeat of a fire incident in the exact same vicinity has naturally prompted questions about the origin of Thursday's blaze.
A Victoria Police spokesperson stated that the cause of the fire is under investigation and that all possibilities are being considered. "We are aware of the history of this location and it forms a part of our inquiries," the spokesperson said.
Community and authorities remain vigilant
CFA officials have praised the quick response of their crews and the alertness of the public in reporting the fire swiftly. Their rapid action prevented the blaze from spreading to a larger area or escalating in intensity.
However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fire risk, particularly in grassland areas during warmer periods. Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near grassland or bushland immediately to Crime Stoppers.
The CFA also reiterated standard safety advice for the public, including ensuring properties have clear defensible space and that all residents have a bushfire survival plan, regardless of their proximity to dense bush.
As investigations continue, residents in St Leonards and the broader Bellarine Peninsula are left hoping this is not the start of another troubling series of deliberately lit fires in their community.
