Crews still battling 1,900-hectare blaze through Mount Richmond bushland

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) continues to fight a blaze at Mount Richmond near Heywood that has grown to nearly 1,900 hectares since Thursday.

❓ What’s happening? Incident Controller Bernard Barbetti told the Brolga wet conditions on the ground had made access difficult for crews, forcing a heavier reliance on aircraft.

“We have around 60 operational firefighters and 18 Incident Management Team members working today, with support from local plantation managers,” Barbetti said. “There are currently four aircraft actively working the fire.”

A plantation manager oversees commercial forest areas and works with FFMVic or CFA crews during bushfires to protect tree plantations, supply equipment and support containment efforts.

FFMVic crews remain on the scene consolidating control lines.

⚠ Community message: Residents in surrounding areas have been urged to remain vigilant and continue checking the Vic Emergency app or website for updates.

🔥 How did it start?

• The fire began on Thursday (October 16) and initially spread quickly through Mount Richmond National Park and nearby bushland. 

• Crews worked across the weekend to strengthen containment lines and prevent further spread ahead of changing weather conditions.

A second, smaller fire near Nelson, also believed to have been sparked by lightning on Thursday, has since been declared safe.

💨 Smoke warning: Rain forecasted for later in the week is expected to assist suppression efforts, but authorities are warning that smoke may linger across the Portland and Nelson areas in the meantime.

Bushfire smoke can affect people with breathing difficulties, as well as children and elderly people. Fire authorities advise to keep windows closed and to exercise indoors.

Header image: Forest Fire Management Victoria