The Kyneton fires which burnt through about 250 hectares on Wednesday have been contained.
A total of 350 firefighters battled the fires on Wednesday afternoon and well into the night in difficult conditions.
Aircraft including one sky crane and two large air tankers fought the fires in addition 70 CFA tankers.
One large hay shed has been destroyed by the fires.
CFA incident controller Steve Smith praised the firefighters’ efforts.
“The fires broke out unexpectedly due to the lightening and created havoc for Kyneton and surrounding communities.
”The damage potentially could have been much worse if it wasn’t for the fantastic efforts of our crews.”
Mr Smith said lightning strikes caused the fires to start in three separate areas in the Blackhill area north of Kyneton about 5pm on Wednesday.
At the peak of the fires, emergency warnings were issued for Kyneton, Bald Hill, Edgecombe, Langley and Greenhill areas.
These warnings were later downgraded to watch and act messages at 9pm and are at present at an advice level.
“At the peak of the fires a relief centre was established at Kyneton Mechanics Hall. It was closed by 10.30pm and most residents were able to return home or seek alternative accommodation,” Mr Smith said.
He warned that although the immediate threat had passed, there would still be fire activity and a significant amount of smoke in the area – potentially for days.
“Overnight fire activity has significantly decreased and we are expecting favourable weather conditions today [Thursday] which will help us strengthen containment lines.
”However, residents need to remain vigilant and monitor warnings and advice and have a fire plan in place.”
Advice messages remain in place for Bald Hill, Woodleigh Heights and Edgecombe.
For more information visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au
