Local crews fight 40-hectare Montrose blaze
More than 100 firefighters from across the region came together to control the flames.
Matthew Sims & AAP
March 17, 2025
Flames swept through about 40 hectares of rugged terrain at Montrose in Melbourne's outer east on Saturday afternoon and night, continuing into Sunday morning, sparking an emergency warning for residents in its path.
With the mercury stretching into the high-30Cs, the fire threatened the local community, as one home was lost and another two were significantly damaged after the fire ripped through Ken Leversha Reserve.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) attended the scene after locals reported a smoke sighting on Sheffield Road in Montrose at 1.43pm on Saturday, with firefighters locating the fire south of the Ken Leversha Reserve.
The fire was downgraded to a Stay Informed warning alert on Monday.
More than 100 firefighters, 40 vehicles, four helicopters and three dozers were deployed on the fast moving forest fire, south of the quarry.
The fire flared up overnight on Saturday into Sunday due to gusty winds, with an Emergency Warning issued just before 1am asking residents in Kilsyth and Montrose to take shelter.
The emergency warning was downgraded to a watch and act alert at about 3.30am on Sunday.
Helicopters were busy transporting water from locations including The Basin during Saturday afternoon.
Rain fell over the fire ground as water bombers continued dousing burning trees on Sunday.
It was declared under control at 4.53pm on Sunday.
Ground crews remained on site as flames burned within containment lines. Crews are now working on hazardous trees and extinguishing any hot spots.
"There was some concern that it may spot over and get over into the Dandenong Ranges," CFA Incident Controller, Bernard Barbetti, told the ABC.
About 25 residents took shelter in a relief centre at Kilsyth Sports Centre.
Police say it is too early to determine the cause of the fire.
Image Credit: Boronia Fire Brigade, Yarra Glen Fire Brigade and Coldstream Fire Brigade