Bushfire near Gelorup contained but not controlled

Capel Shire Council president Murray Scott says there is still a lot of work to be done as firefighters successfully work to contain a bushfire Gelorup.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services has downgraded the blaze to an advice warning after firefighters managed to contain the bushfire, but it is yet to be controlled.

The blaze was first reported about 9.30am today and has since burnt through 80ha of land as it came dangerously close to homes.

The council took to social media to provide updates from Cr Scott, who is on the ground helping firies.

“Smoke levels have dropped and visibility is clearer,” the post said.

“Mr Scott said the fire has become more contained, but there is still a lot more to be done in the area.”

The advice is in place for people in the area bounded by Gelorup Rise, Bussell Highway, Woods Road and Marchetti Road in the northern part of Gelorup.

The department says there is no longer a threat to lives and homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

A Gelorup resident told media it was the closest a bushfire had come to their home.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.