Fire burns in steep Lerderderg country

CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters are battling an out of control bushfire in the Lerderderg State Forest north of Bacchus Marsh.

The fire started near the O’Briens Crossing picnic area in Blackwood on Tuesday night and is continuing to burn in steep, rocky and inaccessible terrain.

Campers were also told to leave the Chadwick Campground, which is 5km from O’Briens Crossing last night, as the blaze burnt through an estimated 15 hectares.

Crews worked into the night to contain the fire, with aerial support brought in to assist.

Warnings were reduced on Wednesday after firefighters managed to slow the spread of the blaze, but residents in Bullengarook, Greendale and Lerderderg are advised to stay informed.

Authorities say a wind change is expected around 6pm and could cause the fire to move towards Bullengarook.

An Extreme Fire Danger Rating was forecast for the Wimmera, North Central and Central districts today and a Total Fire Ban has also been declared for those areas.

In a Facebook post, the Myrniong Fire Brigade said its tanker was deployed to the fire, along with other Ballan Group and Bacchus Marsh Group appliances.

“Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters attended as it is in an area where they have the primary responsibility for control,” the brigade said.

“It is in very difficult terrain and a lot of resources are being deployed today to get the fire under control.

“Some areas are too steep for a bulldozed break so aerial appliances will be used including the large aerial tanker.”

Obriens Road between Greendale-Trentham Road and Bluegum Track is closed and the Lerderderg State Park remains closed to all visitors including runners and walkers.

People can keep up to date on the fire via the VicEmergency app or the website emergency.vic.gov.au