Catastrophic bushfires lead to Total Fire Ban extension

THE Total Fire Ban now in place across Victoria has been extended into tomorrow (Saturday, January 10) due to the several fires as a result of today’s Catastrophic conditions.

Tomorrow’s conditions will be cooler than today (Friday, January 9), but still warm with strong winds across the state, particularly in the north.

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.

“Firefighters are battling multiple fires across Victoria in difficult conditions today with Extreme heat and strong winds,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said.

“Crews have been working hard this week and today to protect their communities. We’re asking Victorians to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration.”

“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”

Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban at cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.

For more information on what you can and can’t do, head to the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website.

Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.

They include:

• ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
• The VicEmergency App
• The VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au
• The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
• CFA or VicEmergency X (Twitter) or Facebook.

Damaging northwest winds of up to 110kmh, combined with extreme heat, are leading to the risk of new fires that spread quickly and are difficult to control.

Two major bushfires in state’s north and northeast are generating their own micro-climates, with dry lightning sparking new fires.

A blaze at Longwood, in Victoria’s north, has scorched more than 35,000 hectares.

There are dozens more bushfires across the state, with high winds preventing CFA aircraft from flying in parts of Victoria.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has urged residents not to wait for fire conditions to worsen before leaving.

Conditions are expected to progressively ease from the southwest across the weekend.

 – WiTH AAP