By Callum Ludwig
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews remain working diligently to battle a fire east of Reefton and north of Old Woods Point Road.
At 11.30am on Wednesday 5 February 2025, fire reconnaissance aircraft identified a fire, likely caused by lightning, deep within the Yarra Ranges National Park.
An FFMVic spokesperson said there is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
“Over 60 Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters and contractors are working to suppress the fire with more expected to be on site tomorrow,” they said.
“Three waterbombing aircraft are working to reduce the spread and intensity of the fire from above while dozers, excavators and a grader are building mineral earth breaks on the ground,”
“Firefighters continue to contend with very steep and rugged terrain as they build hand trails with rakehoes through areas of high tree hazards and heavy fuel loads. Being located within one of Melbourne’s water catchments, the priority is to contain this blaze as quickly as possible.”
The fire follows another forest fire in the week at Poley Road near Warburton on Tuesday 4 February which FFMVic had contained to 0.3 hectares by 11pm the same day. Morning crews worked to consolidate the control line with dozer patrol and blacking out the following day. A fire in the forest near Healesville on Thursday 6 February was also quickly contained.
The VicEmergency app states the area of the Reefton blaze has reduced to eight hectares from 12 earlier on in the week as firefighters make headway in containing it. The Upper Yarra Recreational Reserve Campground has been closed as of Friday 7 February.
Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest incidents and warnings across Victoria this summer via VicEmergency: emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/.
Upper Yarra residents can use multiple sources to stay informed:
emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline – freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#VicFires)
Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
