The first total fire ban of the season for the central region has been declared alongside much of the state as temperatures are set to soar on Wednesday 7 January.
A total fire ban (TFB) has been declared for the Wimmera, South West and Central fire weather districts tomorrow.
The central district includes the local government areas of Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah and Cardinia.
Strong north westerly winds will develop over the south west and central districts, in what will be a dry and hot day as severe heatwave conditions enter the north east of the state. Maximum temperatures will reach 42 to 44 degrees in the north and 39 to 41 in the south.
A total fire ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the next three days are going to be extremely challenging for both firefighters and those living and travelling in high-risk areas due to the hot and dry conditions, and people should be prepared to leave early and take action.
“Tomorrow’s Total Fire Ban is just one of many that we expect to declare throughout the week as heatwave conditions elevate ahead of a spike in temperatures on Friday,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Conditions tomorrow will make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start and given the landscape has dried up significantly over recent weeks, high fuel loads pose a serious grassfire risk.
“We’re asking people to follow the strict requirements associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration, consider postponing harvest and cropping activities, and make sure you have your bushfire plan ready to go.
“It is really important people take the actions needed to protect themselves and their family, and that preparedness starts early.
“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies. Download the VicEmergency App to stay well informed.”
Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.
For more information on what you can and can’t do visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website.
Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information. They include:
ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
The VicEmergency App
The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook
