Two out-of-control grass fires at Taylors Lakes
Residents of Taylors Lakes who have been told to leave their homes and move two streets back from two out of control grass fires.
Fire Services Victoria were first called to a car fire in a paddock at Rowlandson Place in Taylors Lakes just before 3.30pm on Monday.
The fire quickly turned into a fast-moving grass fire that is travelling from Calder Park in a south-westerly direction towards Taylors Lakes.
A watch and act warning has been issued for Calder Park, Plumpton, Hillside, Sydenham, Sydenham Park, Keilor North, Taylors Hill, Taylors Lakes, Keilor Lodge, Delahey and Diggers Rest.
There are currently 70 firefighters on scene and at least 10 appliances including a water-bombing helicopter.
Separately, around the same time, firefighters were called to a home on Rowell Place in Taylors Lakes following reports a grass fire was approaching the back fence.
There are currently seven firefighting appliances on scene at Rowell Place.
The community is advised to keep the roads near both fires clear for emergency services.
"If you live next to grassland and a grass fire starts, walk at least two streets back from the fire," a Fire Services Victoria spokesperson said.
"If you live two streets or more from grassland and a grass fire starts, stay where you are and follow all directions from emergency services.
"Keep all windows and doors closed and place towels or blankets around window sills and door gaps. Do not use your air conditioner."
Firefighters are also responding to another small grass fire at a property on Tonimbuk Road in Bunyip North. Four vehicles are travelling to the scene.
The Country Fire Authority declared Monday a day of total fire ban for the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country districts and issued a "severe" fire danger rating.
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Rachael Dexter is a breaking news reporter at The Age.