Temperatures are set to soar into the high 30s and low 40s across Victoria with the chance of dry thunderstorms and lightning in the western and central districts.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan is urging all Victorians to ensure they are prepared as the fire season will continue for several more weeks.
“With multiple significant fires already burning in the Grampians and Little Desert, this stretch of hot and dry weather could make conditions even more challenging for firefighters.
“We need all Victorians, particularly those in high-risk areas, to act now. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” he said.
"Review your bushfire survival plan, discuss it with your family, and ensure everyone knows what to do if a fire threatens your area.”
For Halls Gap resident Trish Ravenhall, the importance of being prepared became clear when the recent Grampians fire reached her community.
Earlier this month, as smoke intensified in the area, Trish and her family made the decision to evacuate.
“Even though we were quietly confident we could have stayed to defend the house, we knew if something went wrong, we may not get assistance, and we would not be able to leave as there is only one road out of our street,” Trish said.
“In hindsight, we should have been more prepared before we got the evacuation message, with an emergency kit ready to go.”
With little time to think, she and her family grabbed what they could and left, later realising they had forgotten several essential items.
Trish and her family have now refined their bushfire survival plan, creating a detailed checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten in an emergency.
“People need to have a bushfire plan and an evacuation kit ready with medications, phone chargers, food for pets, and anything else you’ll need,” she said.
“Do it not just for yourself but for your family, your neighbours, and the emergency services who are there to protect us. They should be focused on fighting the fire, not wondering where people are and if they’re safe.”
With heatwave conditions approaching, CFA is urging residents to:
- Finalise your bushfire survival plan. Discuss with family members what you will do and when you will leave.
- Pack an emergency kit with medications, important documents, pet supplies, and essentials.
- Stay informed via VicEmergency alerts and warnings. Conditions can change rapidly.