Victorian grass fire threat eases

Firefighters in Victoria are battling two out-of-control grass fires, with some residents told to shelter indoors because it's too late to leave.

All grass fires in Victoria are contained or under control as a cool change sweeps through to help firefighting crews.

It comes as buildings and vehicles were destroyed on Friday as crews battled out-of-control fires in central Victoria.

One blaze near Ballarat started on Friday afternoon in the suburb of Haddon and quickly posed a threat to property.

Footage from the area showed sheds burning and flames devouring vehicles.

Residents were initially told it was too late to leave their homes, but the threat to the communities of Bunkers Hill, Lucas, Ross Creek and Smythes Creek has been downgraded to advice.

Further south, a grassfire at Mount Mercer, between Ballarat and Geelong, flared up and posed a threat.

But a cool change sweeping through Victoria has helped crews contain all blazes.

There is a high chance of showers over the weekend, with a predicted maximum temperature of 11 degrees on Saturday in Ballarat.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp confirmed properties had been destroyed.

"At this stage I've been briefed that there are property losses at both the Mount Mercer and Bunker Hill fires," Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp told ABC TV.

"Until we get in on the ground we don't know if it's a large shed or a house but I can confirm there are property losses at both those fires."

The cause of the fires is unknown but will be investigated, Mr Crisp added.


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Source: AAP



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