Multiple houses are threatened by a grassfire that has broken out in Diggers Rest in Melbourne's north-west.
At 1.15 the CFA issued the following Emergency Warning
"There is a bushfire at BULLA-DIGGERS REST RD, DIGGERS REST that is not yet under control.
This message is for residents in the Cooper Road area.
The bushfire is travelling in a southerly direction towards the Calder Freeway, Calder Park.
What you should do:
You should move indoors: Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and turn off cooling systems.
Shelter in a room that has a door and or a window to the outside - It is critical to see what is happening with the fire.
If you cannot get indoors, last resort options include: a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve. a large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool.
Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat."
You are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) February 4, 2017
FB LIVE | Grassfire at Diggers Rest #7Newshttps://t.co/YO7bNRNgmr pic.twitter.com/GQVSqctccX
A CFA spokesman said 28 tankers supported by three aircraft were responding to the grassfire, which was not under control.
The CFA initially feared a house had been damaged, but "we now believe the house has been saved", CFA duty officer Jamie Hansen told Fairfax Media.
The area burning was rough, scrubby country, Mr Hansen said. A gusty northerly wind was fanning the flames.
Firefighters were aggressively trying to put the bushfire out, but might end up having to resort to using the Calder Freeway as a defensive firebreak position, Mr Hansen said. He was unsure if the fire was likely to make it that far.
The fire was first reported to emergency services at about 11.25.
More to come.