State-wide Total Fire Ban declared for Boxing Day

A TOTAL Fire Ban (TBA) has been declared for all of Victoria on Boxing Day (December 26) with hot, dry and windy conditions expected.

During a TFB, no fire can be lit in open air or remain alight from 12.01am until 11.59pm.

Country Fire Authority (CFA) Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB was declared because of soaring temperatures in the mid-40s across the state combined with strong winds.

“There are two major concerns on Thursday – the fires already burning in the landscape, and any new fires that start as a result of the extreme fire risk.

“Thursday’s conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start.”

The announcement comes as a bushfire in the Grampians National Park remains uncontained and under Thursday’s conditions is likely to spread.

“We want people to continue to enjoy the holiday period, but fire safety is a joint responsibility and the community need to remain alert and in tune with current fire danger ratings and warnings via the VicEmergency website or app and your emergency broadcasters,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration and understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”

Victorians are urged to ensure they have access to more than one source of information, know their fire risk and plan ahead.

For more information, head to cfa.vic.gov.au or download the VicEmergency app.