Upwey grass and scrub fire

The images and video below are of a grass and scrub fire and the emergency services response in Upwey, Victoria on 23 February 2009.

Upwey grass and scrub fire

The fire began in a grassy paddock. It was fanned by a strong north-westerly wind, which pushed it into a heavily wooded area of the Monbulk Creek retarding basin. CFA pumper and tanker strike teams were dispatched to combat the fire.

Malcolm, an Erickson Aircrane, and other helicopters were involved in the firefight, protecting several homes along remote tracks.

A southerly wind change came through late in the afternoon, which turned the fire back upon itself and then towards Tecoma and Belgrave Heights. MFB pumpers also attended to help protect homes in the area.

The fire was contained early the following morning (24 February 2009).

Photos and video by CFA Photographer Keith Pakenham.




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