Henley Ridge fire deemed non-suspicious as community returns to “business as normal”

Following the official control of the 385-hectare fire that destroyed two properties near Markwood, police have deemed the blaze non-suspicious, as crews continue blacking out along the containment line. CFA District 23 acting assistant chief fire officer Peter Bell said it was expected firefighters would maintain a presence along a 12km perimetre of the fire for at least the rest of the week. “There’ll be monitoring ongoing for several days to come to ensure the residents who have returned there feel safe,” he said. “Everything is back to business as normal.” Mr Bell said fire crews attended to smoldering trees on the edge of the containment line on Monday night and there was plenty more blacking out to do. Residents in the Henley Ridge area were able to return to their homes on Sunday for the first time after a 385ha fire started on the side of Snow Road, near Markwood around 1.30pm on Thursday. It completely destroyed two properties and damaged a bedroom in a third home, while also destroying other outbuildings and vehicles, including a bobcat. Rural City of Wangaratta Council had made contact with those who have lost property and have offered them temporary accommodation. At least eight houses under direct threat from the fire were saved by firefighters. About 250 firefighters were on scene of the fire on Thursday with some 40 trucks and nine aircraft deployed, including two large air tankers which did three retardant drops each. The fast moving fire spread from the roadside through grassland into private property and up a ridgeline and then into Henley Ridge. It was officially brought under control by Sunday evening. Police and fire investigators continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, which as of Monday was undetermined. Detective Senior Constable James Howarth of Wangaratta Criminal Investigation Unit said it was being treated as non-suspicious. Council will continue to offer support to impacted residents where possible.

Henley Ridge fire deemed non-suspicious as community returns to “business as normal”

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