mmg.com.au

Firefighters said a weatherboard home and neighbouring primary school could have been at risk when fire broke out in Orrvale yesterday.

Shepparton Country Fire Authority senior station officer Trevor Logan said the fire started at an Orrvale property on Channel Rd at about 11.22am, and could have ignited in a pile of rubbish and wood.

He said neighbouring Orrvale Primary School evacuated students before CFA arrived on scene.

‘‘If it had of been a windy day they may have been in a bit of trouble, but there was no wind and the fire was moving slowly,’’ Mr Logan said.

He said firefighters contained the blaze at about 11.50am and CFA instructed the primary school to resume classes as students were in no danger.

Mr Logan said the fire spread to a small shed made from timber and corrugated iron, which was destroyed.

CFA personnel managed to stop the fire reaching a garage and an unoccupied weatherboard home on the property.

Mr Logan said the cause of the fire, measuring half a hectare, was still being investigated.

He said the owner of the property, who lived in Shepparton and resided at the home on weekends, conducted a burn-off two days ago.

‘‘Anyone burning-off has to be vigilant and make sure the fire is extinguished and remain in attendance,’’ he said.

Mr Logan reminded residents that fire restrictions would take place from December 3.

Shepparton Police sergeant Paul Gordon urged the community to be ‘‘extra diligent’’ when conducting a burn-off.

‘‘With the weather conditions and dry grass around, people need to be extra diligent and plan a burn-off with the CFA, by applying for a permit if necessary,’’ Sgt Gordon said.

Four CFA tankers were called upon with 15 personnel from Shepparton, Shepparton East, Cosgrove-Pine Lodge and Kialla fighting the blaze.

A CFA Field Command Vehicle, Shepparton Police and Shepparton Highway Patrol also attended.