A BRAND new, million-dollar header has been destroyed in a blaze that destroyed crops across several properties in Ultima on Thursday.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) personnel and volunteers responded to the fire about 4.30pm
Swan Hill CFA captain Dennis Turner said the fire was believed to have started by a header at Hancock Road before spreading in a northerly direction to Merritt Road.
It took more than 100 firefighters 45 minutes to bring the fire under control.
The fire caused damage to 700 acres of land and destroyed 80 to 80 acres of unharvested crop.
“There’s a fair bit of standing crop (unharvested crop) that’s burnt and a fair bit of stubble (harvested) that’s burnt and then one header that’s been completely destroyed as well,” Capt Turner said.
He said the driver of the vehicle, who unsuccessfully tried to put the fire out, escaped unharmed.
“A good job by everyone – there’s a lot of private units owned by farmers that have been working on this fire as well, and they’ve done a sensational job in stopping any structural losses and basically getting the size of this fire rounded up fairly quickly,” Capt Turner said.
He said the crews were also joined by two fixed wing bombers from Ouyen and a helitack from Sea Lake.
“It’s just unfortunate these things happen during harvest,” Capt Turner said.
The fire caused damage to several properties.
Twenty CFA vehicles attended the incident, along with police.
A Watch & Act message was issued by Emergency Management Victoria for Chinangin and Ultima, before it was downgraded to Advice 20 minutes later.
“Firefighters have been able to stop the spread of fire at Merritt Road and will remain on scene for some time to ensure the fire is safe,” the message read.
