We had a close call, less than half a mile away a grass fire set 6 houses alight. Luckily, being on the South East side of Melbourne, we are surrounded by open paddocks. Those on the North and East are ringed by a mountain range, covered in trees, and a real threat when the hot Northerly winds blow up. Still 13 large fires are still burning, and will do for at least a week. Weather is looking promising for less devastation with no hot weather forcast for the next week.