People in Melbourne’s south have been told to flee, and others told it is too late to move, as an out-of-control park fire threatens homes.
The large fire is burning in trees and grass at Cheltenham Park on Park Road in suburban Cheltenham.
Residents in nearby homes have been told to ‘move quickly’ to a few streets away if it’s safe – but if they are surrounded by grasslands, they have been advised to shelter in their homes.
Residents in Melbourne’s south have been told to evacuate the area as a bush fire threatens to consume homes
But those who own homes surrounded by grasslands have been advised to stay put as it ‘is not safe to leave’
The fire began on Wednesday afternoon in Cheltenham, 18 kilometres south-east of the Melbourne city centre
Large crews of firefighters arrived to battle the growing blaze after it was reported about 2.15pm
‘If you live directly next to grassland, quickly move two or more streets away from the fire,’ the emergency services warning said.
‘If your home is surrounded by grasslands, and you are not in an estate, you should immediately shelter within your home. It is not safe for you to leave.’
The watch and act message was issued for residents in Cheltenham, Black Rock, Beaumaris and Mentone.
The fire started about 2.15pm and was travelling in a southerly direction, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade said.
About 50 firefighters and 17 trucks arrived at the scene about an hour later.
The fire poses a threat to homes as well as nearby golf courses and a graveyard.
Water bomber helicopters were brought in to help put out the blaze from above
The fire is wreaking havoc in Cheltenham Park, on Park Road in suburban Cheltenham
Within an hour of the fire breaking out, about 50 firefighters and 17 trucks were on the scene
Helicopters used massive amounts of water to help extinguish the fire (pictured)
The fire is burning in a park next to Victoria Golf Club and the Royal Melbourne Golf Club
The park where the fire is burning is next to the Victoria Golf Club and the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
A large tree appears to have caught fire in the nearby Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery and spot fires have broken out.
Initial reports suggested a one acre sized fire however it has increased to a larger area, travelling in a southerly direction according to Melbourne Fire Brigade (MFB).
Helicopter footage showed flames burning in the tops of the trees and above grave stones.
The fire is burning on a hot Melbourne day, with the mercury hitting almost 40C in the area.
Huge plumes of smoke can be seen over the suburban area as the temperature creeps towards 40 degrees
Spot fires also broke out at a nearby cemetery after a large tree is believed to have caught alight