Total fire ban declared for Friday

THE Country Fire Authority has declared tomorrow (Friday, February 17) a day of total fire ban in the Central fire weather district that includes Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast with a Fire Danger Rating of extreme.

The declaration comes after weather forecasts predict temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s, combined with north-eastly winds up to 30kph during the day and gusting south westerly with an expected change in the evening.

“Tomorrow’s conditions could make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start; therefore, we are asking people to take heed of the Total Fire Ban conditions,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said.

“People need to be aware of the increased fire danger and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”

The restrictions mean that no fire can be lit in the open air, or remain alight between 12.01am tomorrow morning and 11.59pm that night.

A statement from the CFA advised that people “should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information” in case of bushfire.

That includes ABC local radio or other designated emergency broadcasters, the VicEmergency App or the VicEmergency website – both available via emergency.vic.gov.au, the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 or CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook pages.