Over the past 24 hours, lightning has been widespread across the state seeing a number of fires starting across both private and public land.
Light rainfall has followed the lightning, with weather conditions now easing ahead of a warm few days ahead.
Hume Regional Controller, Peter Creek, urged all land owners to inspect their properties as the state dries out in the coming days, ahead of the predicted hot spell over Christmas and New Year.
“We are urging all community members to inspect their properties for any fire activity following the recent lightning we have experienced,” he said.
"CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria use a range of fire detection methods including our aircraft, fire towers and on-ground patrols to ensure a quick response to any fires. The help of community members is enormously useful to complement these efforts.
“We know that many fires start in isolated trees in paddocks and forest areas. Early detection is vital to stop the spread and intensity of fires before they have the opportunity to impact communities and the environment.
“Now is the time to start seriously thinking about what the summer period is going to bring and what this will mean for you, your family and your property.”
Temperatures are expected to exceed 30 degrees on Christmas Day for much of the state, with warm to hot weather also expected in the following days.
For emergency information, Victorians are reminded to download the new VicEmergency app, phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, listen to local ABC radio, SKY news, keep an eye on social media or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
Author: CFA Media