BACCHUS Marsh police are calling for witnesses after a mysterious 50-hectare fire 10 kilometres south of the town on Sunday afternoon.
Acting Sergeant Leeanne Curran said while the cause of the fire, which started on the edge of the Bacchus Marsh-Balliang Road, was still deemed ‘‘undetermined’’, it’s possible it was ignited by a discarded cigarette butt.
‘‘The fire is still undetermined at this stage, we can’t say if it was deliberately lit or caused by negligence.
‘‘The fire started on the edge of the road, and it’s very common for fires to start that way. It’s easily done, it doesn’t take much with hot weather and dry grass.’’
Police were unable to locate a cigarette butt at the scene of the fire which began at about 2.30pm on Sunday. No property damage was reported.
Anybody with information can call Bacchus Marsh police on 5366 4500.
