A statewide Total Fire Ban has been declared for Victoria today, with Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings forecast for the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central and Extreme Fire Danger in all other areas.
Today’s conditions across Victoria will be the most dangerous experienced this summer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in many parts of the state and strong gusty winds of 30 to 50km/hr expected, on top of two days of extreme heat.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the safest option for people currently in bushfire risk areas within the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central is to start planning to leave early in the morning.
“Today’s hot and erratic fire conditions will put you and your families lives at risk if a fire starts and takes hold. Fires will be unpredictable and uncontrollable,” Jason said.
“The safest place to be is away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests. Now is not the time to be complacent with your safety – please leave early.
Catastrophic and Extreme conditions make it difficult for firefighters to control fires and with severe thunderstorms and potential for dry lightning forecast, challenges will arise.
“Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety,” Jason said.
“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.”
“Do not plan to defend your home on Catastrophic fire danger days – even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions, and we may not be able to reach you.”
“If you are caught out and all other bushfire plans have failed, be aware of local last resort options such as Neighbourhood Safer Places and designated Community Fire Refuges.”
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.
Victorians can find out if they are in an area where a Total Fire Ban is in force by visiting the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.
Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.
They include:
- Local radio
- The VicEmergency App
- The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
- CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook
Image: CFA Media
