By XAVIER SMERDON
HUNDREDS of Wyndham residents faced a life-threatening situation last week as a fast-moving grassfire threatened to engulf the area.
The fire started at around 11.45am on Tuesday and residents were at one point sent a warning by the CFA that emergency services may not be able to rescue them.
A CFA spokesperson said a large number of fire trucks were sent to get the fire under control.
“Twenty-seven vehicles attended the fire, which was around Bulban Rd. About 100 hectares were burnt,” the spokesperson said.
“Knowing the shortage of water points in the area bulk tankers were called for and the Anakie bulk water tanker. Aircraft also attended with Helitack 347 hitting the edges of the fire in the rocky paddocks.
“An Emergency Warning was issued, and at the height of the fire an Emergency Alert (text and voice messages) was also sent to a small group of residents under direct threat of the fire.
“Residents turned to social media to describe the frontline of the fire.
Stacie Robinson offered a hand to people, posting her mobile number on facebook and offering to transport any horses out of the area.
Kathy McGorry told Star that she feared her family’s property would be lost.
“I wasn’t there at the time, which made it even scarier,” Ms McGorry said.
“I felt helpless because I couldn’t do anything. We all feel so lucky that the brave firefighters were able to get it under control.”
The Emergency Warning was downgraded to a Watch and Act message at 1:40pm and crews brought the fire under control, stopping it at Bulban Rd, by around 1:50pm.
Luckily, no properties were impacted.
District Mechanical Officers also attended to replace several tyres damaged on CFA vehicles by the sharp rocks and high temperatures affecting cooling systems.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the cause of the fire was being investigated.
