Grass fire in Taylors Lakes

Firefighters are currently responding to a grass and structure fire incident near the Calder Freeway in Taylors Lakes.

Crews were first called to Rowlandson Place in Taylors lakes just before 3:30pm following reports of a fire in a paddock, which quickly spread into a fast moving grass fire.

Initial FRV crews including a pumper tanker arrived on scene by 3:32pm and the response was quickly escalated.

The fire is not yet under control, and there are currently 10 FRV appliances in attendance, along with multiple CFA units.

There are approximately 70 firefighters working together to get this fire under control. This grass fire is travelling from Calder Park in a south-westerly direction towards Taylors Lakes.

Separately, just after 3:30pm firefighters were called to a home on Rowell Place in Taylors Lakes following reports a grass fire was approaching the back fence.

A crew on board a pumper appliance arrived on scene within six minutes and immediately set about protecting the nearby homes.

There are currently seven FRV firefighting appliances on scene at Rowell Place, including Pumpers, Pumper Tankers, and an aerial Teleboom unit, in addition to CFA crews and a Commander.

A Watch and Act message has been issued.

Residents in Calder Park, Plumpton, Hillside, Sydenham, Sydenham Park, Keilor North, Taylors Hill, Taylors Lakes, Keilor Lodge, Delahey, and Diggers Rest must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

The community is advised to keep the roads clear for emergency services.

If you live next to grassland and a grass fire starts, walk at least two streets back from the fire.

If you live two streets or more from grassland and a grass fire starts, stay where you are and follow all directions from emergency services.

Keep all windows and doors closed and place towels or blankets around window sills and door gaps. Do not use your air conditioner.

Please visit our website for more safety tips: https://www.frv.vic.gov.au/bush-and-grassfire-safety

UPDATE: as of 5:00pm

Both incidents were declared under control at around 4:30pm. 

The grass fire spread to approximately 20 hectares in size.

The back fences and sheds of several homes were impacted but thankfully there have been no reports of injuries to the community or to responding firefighters. 

Firefighters are expected to remain on scene into the evening mopping up, and monitoring for any remaining hot spots. 

The fire was originally reported as a car fire in a paddock, however investigations into what caused the blaze are continuing. 

At the height of the incident there were more than 50 FRV firefighters on scene, on board six pumpers, five pumper tankers as well as Command and support units.

There were also a number of CFA units in attendance working together with FRV in response to this fire. 

The watch and act was downgraded to an advice message at 5:34pm, noting that smoke may still be visible from nearby roads and communities.

Victoria Police are investigating.