Total fire ban declared for tomorrow

THE Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, South West and Central regions of Victoria will be under a total fire ban tomorrow with hot and windy conditions expected.

Temperatures in some areas of the state are expected to reach more than 40 degrees.

The ban means that that no fire can be lit in open air or remain alight from 12.01am until 11.59pm on Thursday 22 February.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said a total fire ban has been declared due to the extreme conditions.

“We’re expecting hot, dry and fresh northerly winds ahead of a gusty south-westerly change,” he said. “This could bring wind gusts of 60-80km/h.”

“It will also trigger isolated showers and thunderstorms occurring around the change in the mid to late afternoon.

“Tomorrow’s conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to supress new fires that may occur but will also be challenging conditions for those firegrounds generated from last week’s catastrophic fire day.”

Total fire bans are published on the CFA website, usually before 5pm on the day before the ban.

More detailed information about the restrictions can be found on the CFA’s can I or can’t I page.

“We’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration,” said Mr Heffernan.

“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”

“On days of extreme fire dangers all communities, in particular those in the Wimmera region surrounding the Grampians fires, tomorrow is a day to ensure you keep up to date with the Vic Emergency app and be ready to put into action your bushfire survival plan.”