LAST week’s dry, hot weather sparked a number of grass fires across the Mornington Peninsula and kept fire brigades on alert.
A grass fire in Duells Road, Rosebud, on Wednesday (21 February) saw emergency crews from Fire Rescue Victoria join CFA brigades from Boneo and Rosebud to bring it under control.
There were also scrub fires on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway between Lonsdale Street and McCulloch Street, Rosebud, with other fires along the freeway rumoured to have been caused by sparks from a vehicle.
Others, including one near Devilbend Reserve at Teurong, were caused by dry grass igniting in the 37 degree temperatures fuelled by hot winds. Twelve units responded to the blaze.
A fire on Peninsula Link, towards Frankston, forced closure of the south-bound lane, creating road blocks for several kilometres.
Fire also broke out in Mount Eliza, near the Wooralla Road and Moorooduc Freeway intersection, reportedly caused by a tree over power lines. Several properties lost power for a short time.
Around 7pm, a fire in Woods Reserve, Moorooduc is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike. Fourteen fire crews attended, with some remaining until 1am.
First published in the Mornington News – 27 February 2024
