Total Fire Ban across Victoria on Friday 9 January with Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings in four regions

Tomorrow’s conditions across Victoria will be the most dangerous experienced this summer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in many parts of the state and strong gusty winds of 30 to 50km/hr expected, on top of two days of extreme heat.  

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the safest option for people currently in bushfire risk areas within the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central is to start planning to leave tonight or early in the morning. 

“Tomorrow’s hot and erratic fire conditions will put you and your families lives at risk if a fire starts and takes hold. Fires will be unpredictable and uncontrollable,” Jason said. 

“The safest place to be is away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests. Now is not the time to be complacent with your safety – please leave early. 

“There are two large fires in the landscape at Longwood and Mt Lawson impacting communities and Victorians must continue to stay informed via the VicEmergency app.” 

Catastrophic and Extreme conditions make it difficult for firefighters to control fires and with severe thunderstorms and potential for dry lightning forecast, challenges will arise.  

“Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety,” Jason said. 

“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes. 

“Do not plan to defend your home on Catastrophic fire danger days – even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions, and we may not be able to reach you. 

“If you are caught out and all other bushfire plans have failed, be aware of local last resort options such as Neighbourhood Safer Places and designated Community Fire Refuges.” 

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.  

Victorians can find out if they are in an area where a Total Fire Ban is in force by visiting the CFA website www.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 visit 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 www.emergency.vic.gov.au 

• The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 

• CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook 

Total Fire Ban permits issued to companies and individuals in the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central have been cancelled for tomorrow due to forecast Catastrophic fire conditions. 

How to prepare for a Catastrophic fire danger day: 

• Catastrophic fire danger signals the worst possible grass and bushfire conditions. 

• Do not plan to stay and defend your home on Catastrophic fire danger days. Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fire in these conditions – even the best prepared homes will not be safe. You could lose your life or be seriously injured. 

• The safest place to be is away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests. 

• If you’re in a bushfire risk area, plan to leave your home or accommodation early in the morning or the night before. 

• Pack an overnight bag with essential supplies including provisions for pets and animals. 

• Avoid unnecessary travel and check for road closures and detours. 

• Check whether schools, childcare, transport and health services are impacted and adjust travel accordingly. 

• Prepare for power outages. 

• Check on and assist any vulnerable neighbours. 

• If you are on mains water, turn off hoses and sprinklers if you evacuate your property. 

What to do on a Catastrophic fire danger day: 

• You won’t always receive a warning or be told what to do if a fire starts. Don’t wait and see - it’s up to you to be prepared. Know what to do and take action. 

• You should never wait to receive an official warning before you leave. Emergencies can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.  Leave bushfire risk areas early in the morning or the night before. 

• Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions, and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety. 

• If you get caught out during a fire, know where your last resort options are including Neighbourhood Safer Places and designated Community Fire Refuges. These are places of last resort when all other bushfire plans have failed.  

• They may protect you and your family from direct flame and radiant heat, but they do not guarantee safety.