Alert issued for grassfire burning in Melbourne’s outer north-west

Residents have been told they are allowed to return to their homes after a grassfire that was burning out of control in Melbourne’s north-west was contained by firefighters.

A watch and act alert issued on Monday afternoon was downgraded to an advice warning for the suburbs of Sydenham, Sydenham Park, Keilor North, Hillside, Taylors Hill, Calder Park and Taylors Lakes at 5:34pm.

The fire blackened parts of the parkland near Rowlandson Place in Taylors Lakes before it was brought under control by firefighters.

Residents who lived directly next to the grassland were told to move quickly two or more streets away from the fire.

People who lived two or more streets away from the grassland were told to shelter indoors, close all exterior doors,…