A severe bushfire is currently ravaging through the dry, dense bushland at Dr Ken Leversha Reserve, located at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges, prompting urgent warnings for residents. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has issued a 'Watch and Act' alert as flames threaten homes situated merely 50 to 100 metres from the blaze.
The fire ignited around 2 PM on March 15, 2025, and has already scorched more than eight hectares of land. According to reports, more than 40 firefighting trucks and three helicopters have been mobilized to combat the relentless flames.
“Crews are basically putting the line around it and making sure the properties on the southern and eastern side of the fire are safe,” stated Alen Slijepcevic, the chief officer of the CFA. The urgency of the situation is amplified by strong westerly winds forecasted to arrive soon, which could worsen existing conditions, making it harder for firefighters to control the fire.
Onlookers have gathered at lookout points on nearby Mt. Dandenong to witness the firefighting efforts, but caution is advised as police have blocked off all major roads leading to Montrose, where the fire emerged earlier this afternoon.
Residents of Montrose and Kilsyth have been urged to prepare for evacuation. The CFA has been clear on their policy: “Prepare to Leave immediately. Leave as soon as you are ready, as roads will become busy as people leave. Protect yourself and your family. If you are not prepared, leave now. Don’t wait until it is too late — leave early. If you are away from home, do not return,” the message from Vic Emergency stated.
Glenn Sealey, a local resident, expressed his concern about the current conditions, remarking, “The bush and scrub out here is dry, it’s hot, and we have been lucky so far this year but I’m not surprised this has happened. Hopefully, they can get it under control soon but the wind is picking up so it could take some time.”
Temperatures soared to 39 degrees Celsius at Horsham, with Melbourne also registering mid-30s. Victoria is under siege with high fire danger warnings across the state, which will remain effective well beyond today and is expected to stay active through March 16. Thankfully, the forecast suggests temperatures will drop to around 26 degrees Celsius, along with potential rain, providing some hope for relief.
The fire response team remains committed and active, as efforts continue to contain the blaze before it can escalate any more dramatically. A high-level vigilance is maintained for all areas surrounding the Montrose reserve as officials and community efforts coalesce to manage this alarming fire.”