INVESTIGATIONS have revealed two grass fires in the Limestone Coast were caused by vehicles travelling the region’s roads, sparking a warning from police for motorists to consider their actions during fire danger periods.
Embers which came off a passing woodchip truck have been identified as the cause of Monday’s grass fire at Monbulla which burnt 170 hectares and caused around $10,000 damage.
The truck’s load self-ignited with embers floating off the tray and igniting the fire around 6km west of Penola.
On the same day emergency service personnel responded to a blaze at Thornlea which was ignited by incorrect use of machinery.
Limestone Coast Officer in Charge Superintendent Phil Hoff cautioned motorists and machinery users to be vigilant during the fire danger period.
He revealed a grass fire near Bordertown just before Christmas was sparked by a toolbox which fell from a vehicle, with the subsequent sparks caused by its impact triggering the fire.
“The toolbox which fell bounced along the road where the sparks caused three fires to be lit in the same area,” Supt Hoff said.
“People need to be careful in covering loads and ensure they are not travelling with flammable products.”
Supt Hoff said all three fires were avoidable.
“We need people to take care and start thinking about how these types of things can happen,” he said.
“The response of those involved has been pretty good and quick but nobody really expects a toolbox to drop off the back of a vehicle.
“It just goes to show that we all need to have our wits about us.”
Supt Hoff said motorists can prevent future incidents through careful thought.
“One of the major things I see that sends a shiver up my spine is someone doing the right thing and having a rest or a break on the side of the road but on dry grass,” he said.
“Dry grass can be easily ignited and the bottom of modern cars burn hot and have a chance of combustion.”
Supt Hoff urged motorists to stop at designated areas or areas away from grass to prevent possible sparks.
Other things such as manual trailer brakes being left on while being towed could also combust.
“A vast majority of the fires are explainable,” Supt Hoff said.
“Things like the Keiliria fire was a lightning strike but there are also a lot of people using inappropriate equipment on hot days that cause sparks.
“Farm equipment is also a large contributing factor and anything that can be dragged along the road such as trailer chains.”
Police have also made two arrests in the region this fire danger season for people starting fires on total fire ban days.
“Obviously people are disregarding or deliberately disregarding the laws,” he said.
“Thankfully most are not deliberately lit but we do have some people for whom we have concern.”
Supt Hoff also congratulated emergency service personnel who have dedicated their time to attending the recent fires around the region.
