Melbourne Grass Fire Engulfs Caravans, Spreads Rapidly in Northwest

An uncontrolled grass fire has erupted in Melbourne’s northwest, engulfing several caravans and prompting a swift response from emergency services. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) are actively battling the flames, which began near the intersection of Havelock Rd and Boggy Gate Rd in Clarkefield on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency Response and Alert

At 3:21 PM, VicEmergency issued a critical alert for residents in several areas, including Beveridge, Bolinda, Clarkefield, Darraweit Guim, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Sunbury, and Wildwood. The alert cautioned residents that the fire was out of control and advised them to seek shelter indoors immediately.

• Key Message: “You are in danger, act now to protect yourself.”
• Location: The fire is advancing from Konagaderra Road towards the southeast.
• Wind Change: A wind shift is anticipated, potentially redirecting the flames toward Old Sydney Road.

Residents in vulnerable areas such as Mickleham and Mandalay Estate are advised to prepare for evacuation, with suggestions to move back at least two streets for safety.

Fire Impact and Statistics

As of 3:30 PM, the grass fire had consumed approximately 400 hectares of land. Emergency services are deploying considerable resources, including:

Concerns arose as reports indicated multiple caravans were ignited within the fire’s vicinity. The continued efforts of CFA and FRV personnel are crucial as they strive to contain this rapidly spreading grass fire in Melbourne’s northwest.