Total fire ban for Golden Plains tomorrow

THE Country Fire Authority has declared tomorrow, Thursday 13 February is a Total Fire Ban day in the South-West, Central and North Central districts.

A statement from the CFA on Wednesday afternoon said Thursday’s forecast hot and windy conditions will see temperatures reach mid to high 30s. A cooler south westerly wind change in the early afternoon is expected to reach Ballarat by 5pm and the Grampians by 2pm.

“The northerly winds will bring early damaging gusts of 80 to 90km/hr around western and central areas in the morning and early afternoon before possible showers and a severe thunderstorm behind the change across the eastern and central districts,” the statement said.

“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.”

Dry fuel on ground, high temperatures and strong, damaging winds have meant the TFB has been put in force.

“Tomorrow’s conditions in the central and south western parts of Victoria will make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start,” said CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan.

“There is potential for dry lightning to come with the thunderstorms, and although we are anticipating rainfall to follow them, there is still a risk of strikes causing new fire starts.

“While the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Little Desert National Park fires were contained over the weekend, we will continue to monitor containment lines for hot spots tomorrow both on the ground and in the air.

“We’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the TFB declaration, stay well informed with warnings through the VicEmergency app and understand how the increased fire risk will impact you, ensuring your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”

Visit cfa.vic.gov.au for more information. Stay tuned to or connected to ABC local radio, the VicEmergency App and website emergency.vic.gov.au, the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, and CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook.