Fast fire in hills

Firefighters spent all last night trying to control a bushfire that started on hilly farmland near Violet Town yesterday afternoon

JANUARY 28, 2013 4:40am

Firefighters spent all last night trying to control a bushfire that started on hilly farmland near Violet Town yesterday afternoon.

Country Fire Authority issued an emergency warning for the area surrounding Harrys Creek Rd, Hayes Rd, Boho Church Rd and School Rd about 6.30pm.

People living in that area were asked to follow their bushfire plans because their homes and lives were at risk.

CFA district 22 operations officer Trevor Logan said the first crews were called to a property on Harrys Creek Rd at Boho about 1.30pm.

The fire started on a hill and quickly spread north-east over the top of it, affecting Boho, Creamery, Hayes, Sawpit Gully and Upper Boho Rds.

Mr Logan said the fire had destroyed 750ha of land as of 6.30pm yesterday.

Five helicopters and 42 trucks were fighting the fire.

‘‘We will have crews there all night, for sure,’’ Mr Logan said.

‘‘It’s going away from Violet Town, so all we’ve done is put some advice out and if people are around the fire scene, do the usual (safety) things.’’

The helicopters dropped water from a nearby dam, while the trucks battled access difficulties with the hilly land.

Cattle could be seen escaping to the bottom of the hill.

Ambulance paramedics treated a man, believed to be the property’s owner, for minor injuries and smoke inhalation at the scene.

Mr Logan said the cause of the fire would likely be investigated today.

He encouraged people living near the scene to remain alert and keep updated about the fire.

Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800240667 for regular fire updates

Five helicopters and 42 trucks are helping to fight the fire

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