Vic firefighters save wandering toddler

Firefighters have come to the rescue of a wandering toddler trying to cross a busy Melbourne intersection at night.

Parents of the wayward child, who is about 18 months old, thought she was at home watching TV when she managed to get outside and walk up to 100 metres from home.

The unsupervised child looked to be about to cross Bayview Rd in Ascot Vale about 7pm on Wednesday, when a firefighter driving in the area, saw her and jumped from his car to take her from harm's way.

MFB commander Guy McCrorie, who happened to be in the area, also rushed over to assist, despite being on holidays.

The firefighting pair kept the youngster entertained and asked for help at a local medical centre, where a worker helped track down the girl's parents. With help from police, she was reunited her with her family.

"The parents had thought she was watching TV and were extremely concerned that she had managed to get outside without them knowing," Commander McCrorie said

"They were very grateful to firefighters and to the member of the public who had assisted.

"It was lucky the firefighter was not only in the right place at the right time, but was diligent in acting on his instincts.

"We are also very appreciative of the assistance of the member of the public who was instrumental in bringing about this happy ending."