An out-of-control grass fire swept across paddocks and threatened homes near the Bulla-Diggers Rest Road last Saturday, with 34 fire trucks and four air crews scrambling to get it under control.
One house was damaged while residents at others were told it was too late to leave after the fire broke out at 11.20 am.
There were no reports of injuries.
Crews manning the Country Fire Authority tankers and a fire-bombing plane managed to bring the blaze under control about 3pm.
Strong northerly winds fanned the flames, aided by temperatures up to 34 degrees.
Firefighters issued an emergency warning at 1.15pm telling locals it was no longer safe to leave their houses, as flames raced south toward the Calder Freeway along Coopers Road.
CFA spokesman Steve Pitcher said about 110 hectares had been burned once the flames died down.
“(The fire) changed direction several times during the day, which created conditions for firefighters that were a cause for concern for our safety,” Mr Pitcher said.
“It makes it very difficult to fight.”
The owner of Sampenny Kennels and Cattery at Bulla, Bob Laider, was forced to leave his animals behind when the CFA ordered him to evacuate.
He said a neighbour stayed behind, and had assured him that the dogs and cats were all fine.
The nearby Organ Pipes National Park was closed while firefighters battled the blaze heading in its direction.
