Emergency Services on alert with dangerous fire conditions expected over Christmas.
*** State Control Centre Media Release***
THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2015
Emergency Services are on alert ahead of dangerous fire conditions forecast for Christmas Day tomorrow.
Total Fire bans have been declared on Christmas Day for the Central, North Central, South west and Wimmera regions.
Central, North Central, South west and Wimmera regions have fire danger ratings of Severe for tomorrow with the rest of the State at Very High due to hot conditions combined with northerly winds. A southwest wind change is predicted to cross the state early Saturday
Country Fire Authority Chief Fire Officer Joe Buffone called on Victorians to put safety first this Christmas.
“We know this is an important day for Victorian families to get together but we need to make sure everyone uses common sense and exercises caution in the hot conditions,” Mr Buffone said.
“We want people to have fun and enjoy themselves, but it is important to remember that safety should be your first priority. That means following Total Fire Ban restrictions which means no campfires, no solid fuel barbecues, and no candles outdoors.”
“You can still use Barbecues that are fired by gas or electricity, being permanently fixed structures built of stone, metal, concrete or another non-flammable material designed exclusively for meal preparation
OR
that use only gas or electricity, are designed and commercially manufactured exclusively for preparation (including portable barbecues), and when alight are placed in a stable position, provided that:
- the area within a distance of 3 metres from the outer perimeter of the barbecue is clear of flammable material
- you have either a hose connected to a water supply or a container with at least 10 litres of water for immediate use
- an adult is there at all times when the fire is alight who has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire
- the fire is completely extinguished before the adult leaves.
For more information on what you can or can’t do on a day of Total Fire Ban go to http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/
“Stay informed via emergency.vic.gov.au, tune to ABC local radio, download the FireReady App or follow VicEmergency or CFA on Facebook or Twitter.”
Author: CFA Media