Heat and wind trigger statewide fire alert

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) for the entire state of Victoria has been declared for tomorrow (Saturday, January 24).

Victoria is set to experience severe heatwave conditions and elevated fire danger across the long weekend and into Tuesday, with temperatures expected to reach 38–44°C statewide.

Hot, north to north-westerly winds will gust up to 60km/h and cross central and western parts before changing to a gusty south-westerly of up to 70km/h in the late afternoon.

Tomorrow’s hot, dry conditions, particularly in the western and southern parts, coupled with Extreme Fire Danger Ratings in the South West and Wimmera districts, will make it a challenging day for firefighters.

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 ban.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB for the whole state had been declared due to major fires still in the landscape and the potential for new fires to start and spread quickly in forecast conditions.

“We understand it is a long weekend, and many Victorians will be enjoying the great outdoors,” he said.

“But we will be declaring several Total Fire Bans over the course of this heatwave event and with that comes shared responsibility.

“With fires already in the landscape, communities hurting and healing, and emergency services still on the fireground, we’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Bans.

“Over the next couple of days, have your bushfire plan ready to go, and have a conversation with your family so you all know what you are going to do in the event of a fire.

“Please maintain vigilance by having the VicEmergency app with watch zones set to where you are headed and have a battery-powered radio on hand tuned to your emergency broadcaster.”

Mr Heffernan said tomorrow was not the time to be complacent, and Victorians should understand how the increased fire risk would affect them.

“I appreciate that a TFB can have an impact on communities and businesses,” he said.

“But be assured these restrictions are reviewed daily and help ensure the utmost safety to all Victorians.”

What you can and can’t do on a Total Fire Ban day

Some activities are strictly prohibited, while others are permitted under strict safety conditions. Here’s a summary:

Activity	Status	Legal Condition
Campfires / Fire Pits	❌ BANNED	Strictly prohibited. No exceptions.
Wood/Charcoal BBQ	❌ BANNED	Includes smokers and pizza ovens.
Gas/Electric BBQ	✅ ALLOWED	3m clear space + 10L water + adult present.
Lawn Mowing	⚠️ DISCOURAGED	Only if machinery is defect-free; keep water handy.
Welding/Grinding	❌ BANNED	Unless you hold a specific CFA/FRV permit.