Firefighting planes were needed to bring a large grass fire under control in Altona on Sunday afternoon.
Crews from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and the Country Fire Association (CFA) arrived at the Laverton Grasslands on Purnell Street at about 3.49pm on January 26 after callers to Triple Zero reported a fire on the site was spreading quickly.
Crews found the fire had already spread over a 2km radius and was threatening houses located 30 to 50 metres away.
A Watch and Act message was issued for residents of Altona and Altona Meadow as the grass fire travelled north from the Laverton Grasslands towards Kororoit Creek Road.
The fires also got close to Westona Train Station on the Werribee train line, forcing a temporary suspension of services.
After four firefighting planes were deployed to assist ground crews tackling blaze, the fire was brought under control by about 6.15pm.
A total of 23 hectares of grassland was burnt by the fire which has been deemed suspicious and is being investigated by FRV and Victoria Police.
