Firefighting aircraft on standby: Hot and windy forecast for the Otways on Saturday

Water-bombing aircraft will be on standby for Saturday in the Otways, as a severe fire danger rating has been forecast.

FIREFIGHTERS, firefighting aircraft and fire vehicles will be on standby across Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Otways on Saturday, as hot and windy weather is forecast for the district.
Temperatures are expected to reach the low 30s on Saturday with strong, hot and dry winds.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) Otway district manager Stephanie Ryan said the Fire Danger Rating was forecast to be “severe” on Saturday, due to the relatively low humidity and strong winds.
“These predicted conditions come at a time when the forests and parks are already very dry.
“In preparation for the potentially dangerous weather, Incident Management Teams (IMTs) will be in place at the Incident Control Centre in Colac and Geelong, covering the Otway District.
“Having an IMT in place on a severe day means the team can quickly provide any necessary information to the community about incidents that may arise.
“All information delivered by IMTs is timely, relevant and tailored to assist community members make informed decisions about their safety.”
She said FFMV urged anyone going camping on Saturday to stay informed about the weather and to be observant of what was happening around you while in the bush.
“We strongly urge the community to consider the value of visiting local forests or parks during periods of high and extreme heat as they can be extremely dangerous under these conditions.
“Before heading out, make sure you plan ahead and have access to all the information you need.”
A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Victoria’s south-west on Saturday, making it illegal to light any fires in the Otway district.
“That includes campfires and all barbecues, including solid and liquid fuel barbecues, as well as unconventional heat sources such as rotisseries and portable grills,” Ms Ryan said.
“Don’t let your campfire become a bushfire.”
For more information on campfire safety, head to ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-

regulations/fire-restrictions-and-regulations.