The danger from a grass fire south of Ballarat at Dereel and Mount Mercer has been downgraded with the Country Fire Authority saying there is no threat to communities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The fire started just before 2pm on Saturday and was deemed as fast moving.
Up to 34 vehicles were involved in the fight at Dereel, which is 30 kilometres south of Ballarat, near to Tippetts Road.
The Country Fire Authority had earlier issued a watch and act message to those in the area. It said leaving was the safest option as conditions may change or get worse quickly.
But at 7pm the CFA revised its earlier message to advise.
"There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions," it said.
The grassfire is currently not yet under control and smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads.
Emergency services will remain onsite overnight with about 15 emergency and support vehicles continuing to work on the fire.
There are temporary road closures in place at the following intersections: Tippetts Road and Dereel-Mount Mercer Road, Tippetts Road and Ferrers Road, and Dereel-Mount Mercer Road and Faggs Lane.
Dereel has been beset by fires in 2013, 2014 and 2016.
Currently heading to Dereel (south of Ballarat) for a fire. More to come @7NewsMelbourne pic.twitter.com/L2M1RXW7pV— Shayne Whiteley (@7newspilot) February 13, 2016
