Emergency crews battle Leopold house fire

About 10 emergency vehicles are responding to a significant structure fire at a residential property in Rebecca Drive in Leopold this afternoon, as extreme heat and strong winds present challenging conditions for local firefighters.

Emergency services, including the CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, ambulance and police, were called to the blaze at 16 Rebecca Drive at about 1.40pm. The fire is not yet under control.

A state control centre spokesperson said the crews arrived to find the residential property engulfed in flames, which had spread to an adjoining property due to the wind.

A community alert was issued by the CFA via Vic Emergency at about 2.10pm, confirming there is no current threat to the wider community, but warning residents to stay alert and monitor conditions.

With temperatures rising above 42C and strong, gusty winds of up to 50kmh hitting the region, Leopold residents have been advised to keep an eye out for embers which may travel due to high winds, remain in or near shelter, and to keep roads clear to allow emergency access.

Those sensitive to smoke are advised to close windows and doors and turn off heating and cooling systems to limit smoke exposure.

Crews remain actively engaged at the scene in Rebecca Drive, and thick smoke is visible from nearby roads and surrounding areas.

More to come.