The turbulent weather sparked its fair share of fires over the long weekend which was met by a swift response from the CFA.
On Australia Day, several brigades spent hours responding to a grass fire in Lang Lang on McDonalds Track.
Arriving on scene at about 4.02pm, CFA reported the grass fire was found to be spreading quickly and worked to contain it.
With air support present, CFA had 19 vehicles on scene including brigades from Beaconsfield and Tynong. Victoria Police were also on scene.
Crews had the fire under control at 5.19pm many would remain until 2.28am the next morning when it was declared safe.
The public holiday on Monday 27 January provided no respite with a total fire ban called for high heat combined with storm conditions throughout the day.
Bayles Fire Brigade got a taste of the unique conditions in the morning, Third Lieutenant Lindsay Knowles said locals heard a “big boom“ that to CFA was reported at around 9am.
Lightning had struck a tree along Tynong-Bayles Road, Knowles and his three fellow firefighters were quick on the scene.
He said it was fortunate this occurred before the wind picked up later in the day, they swiftly contained the fire within a short range of the tree. Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade also arrived on the scene for support.
The tree still stood after the strike and now had a series of streaks across its bark that prompted Knowles to snap a few photos. The brigade continued to monitor the tree after the incident.
That was far from the end of the day however, Bayles would contain another grass fire in Catani that occurred around midday. With some members away for the long weekend, Knowles said the day was good experience for new volunteers.
Another significant response was required in the early evening for a grass fire in Officer South.
Crews were called out at about 5.03pm along Officer South Road.
With winds picking up later in the day, CFA reported crews arrived to find the grass and scrub fire spreading quickly and they worked to contain the fire.
A total of 16 CFA vehicles were on the scene to contain the threat supported by FRV.
The incident was declared under control at 5.27pm and safe at 6.16pm.
