Police are investigating a fire that burned about 1270 hectares of land in Little River and surrounds on Friday.
The blaze was reported to the CFA just before 11.45am and an evacuation warning was issued soon afterwards for residents in the Mambourin and Manor areas.
About 100 firefighters, 50 fire trucks and several aircraft were deployed to combat the blaze, which originally started as two grassfires on either side of Edgars Road. The fire was brought under control on Friday evening at a site south-east of the Princes Freeway.
A Victoria Police statement released on Monday, stated investigators believed the fire could have been caused by machinery, which has since been seized to be examined.
A 58-year-old Little River man was interviewed following the fire and was released pending further inquiries.
“Police are confident there will be no further incidents involving his machinery and there are no other persons involved,” the statement read. The investigation is ongoing.
At least one shed was destroyed and a shipping container and a car were damaged.
The fire caused V/Line train services on the Geelong line to be temporarily suspended on Friday afternoon. Authorities also closed Edgars Road from the corner of You Yangs Road, Kirks Bridge Road from the corner of Farrars Road, and Bulban Road from the corner of Newtons Road.
Little River Fire Brigade posted a message on its Facebook page thanking members and other CFA brigades who helped to fight the fire.
“For our little brigade, although stretched, we are very happy there were no firefighters hurt, no community members were injured,” the message stated. “Thanks to the residents who remained calm … and a further thanks to those with well-prepared properties – you have no idea how much that helped.”
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
– with The Age
