A SLASHER fire almost led to the evacuation of campers and rock-climbers at Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park on Tuesday.
The fire started in a paddock south-west of Mt Arapiles about 5.10pm.
Country Fire Authority District 17 duty officer Ian Day said a farmer using a slasher sparked the blaze.
The stubble fire grew to about 20 hectares and was controlled in about 30 minutes.
Mr Day said authorities had considered a possible relocation of campers and rock-climbers, had the fire reached the state park.
"The park ranger and police were going to co-ordinate that," he said.
"But the relocation was not required and about 30 minutes in we put a stop on that occurring.
"Crews were on the scene until about 8pm on Tuesday.
"Then we had a reconnaissance crew check the area on Wednesday morning to ensure it was still safe."
District people are concerned about the fire risk at heavily-timbered Mt Arapiles. A major fire burnt across the mountain in 1972.
Mr Day said people using equipment such as slashers needed to ensure they did not become complacent about safety.
Fire-fighters also extinguished a grass fire by the side of the Wimmera Highway at Apsley about 6.50pm on Tuesday.
Volunteers took about an hour to put out the blaze, which was less than one hectare.
Mr Day said investigations were continuing and that a power transformer might have started the fire.
He said the fire was not suspicious.
Fire-fighters were also called to a small grass fire at Dooen about the same time on Tuesday evening.
Mr Day said the fire was small, not suspicious and was over in about 10 minutes.