Hallam grass fire ‘deliberate’

A grass fire in Gunns Road Reserve, Hallam was swiftly brought under control by firefighters from across the South East. Picture: HAMPTON PARK CFA FACEBOOK

A deliberately-lit grass fire in a bushy reserve off Arcadia Avenue, Hallam has been referred to Victoria Police.

CFA and FRV firefighters from Hallam, Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Rowville and Hampton Park were called to reported smoke from Gunns Road Reserve about 9.33am on Tuesday 14 March.

The fire was swiftly contained to a small patch of native shrubland, with Hampton Park CFA reporting about 10.30am that it was under control.

An FRV spokesperson said officers found “three points that were deliberately lit”.

“FRV referred this to Victoria Police.”

Emergency Victoria issued an advice message at 10.08am that the fire was not yet under control, but no threat to residents living next to the wooded reserve.

It advised residents in Dandenong South, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hallam and Narre Warren North to “stay informed and monitor conditions”.

“Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads”.