THE Calder Highway reopened on Sunday as firefighters created containment lines around a bushfire which started roadside inside Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.
More than 100 support staff were on the ground Saturday following reports of the fire, which saw Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews responding just after 11am.
Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMV) incident controller Andy Koren said he expected firefighters to create a containment line around the bushfire and bring it under control by Sunday afternoon.
A very high fire danger rating was in place on Sunday for the Mallee, Northern Country, and Wimmera Districts.
The Calder Highway, which was closed on Saturday afternoon, reopened Sunday with a reduced speed limit in place from a kilometre south of Hattah through the fire line.
Mr Koren said while the bushfire, which spread to about 750ha, started roadside, the actual cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Temperatures on Saturday hit 39.8 degrees as a northerly wind spread the fire, but Mr Koren said conditions improved overnight as a southerly swept through the area.
Firefighting efforts included bulldozers and aircraft supporting firefighters by providing water and intelligence to monitor the blaze.
While the fire response involved CFA units, FFMV, Victoria Police and contractors, Mr Koren said he was thankful for the support of the Hattah store and the surrounding community in helping to feed people fighting the blaze.
A crew of 60 were on hand Sunday, and with the southerly expected to continue Monday, Mr Koren said firefighters would continue to watch the blaze for several days following containment.
“We’ll continue to patrol and monitored the fire for several day until it is deemed safe,” he said.
