By Brendan Rees
Casey Council is investigating an out-of-control burn-off that ended in a utility pole being engulfed in flames on Wednesday 15 April.
Firefighters were called to the blaze, at the intersection of Ballarto Road and Clyde Five-Ways Road, just after 11.50am.
Appliances from Cranbourne, Berwick, and Clyde CFA brigades were needed to put out the grass fire in a paddock which had spread to the timber pole.
It took about half-an-hour for firefighters to bring the fire under control, which had spanned about 10 metres by 10 metres.
In a Facebook post, Clyde CFA said the fire had run up the light pole “causing considerable damage before it was extinguished”.
Clyde CFA stated it believed those clearing the land in the paddock had set fire to three piles of tree stumps but due to strong winds the fire had spread to a nearby utility pole.
Traffic was diverted in both directions after a section of Clyde Five Ways Road was closed.
There were no reported injuries or further damage to neighbouring properties.
Casey Council confirmed the incident and was investigating to determine why there had been an out-of-control burn-off.
Casey Council manager of connected communities Kate Sieh said council officers had attended the scene with the CFA and Victoria Police Highway Patrol.
“The property had been issued a standard permit to burn, which allowed for the burning of a three metre by three metre pile, to help tidy up fallen vegetation in preparation for the fire season,” Ms Sieh said.
Ms Sieh said permits to burn enabled larger land owners to tidy up and maintain their properties prior to the fire season, while also helping to ensure the safety of Casey’s community members, as well as flora and fauna.
There were reports of fire crews observing a council officer taking photographs at the scene following the fire.
An excavator was also called in to help pull grass debris apart so crews could extinguish the blaze completely.
AusNet Services has been contact for comment regarding the damaged utility pole.
Residents wanting to conduct a burn-off on their property can apply for a permit via the City of Casey’s website.
The fire danger period for City of Casey within CFA district eight finished on 16 March.
