A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Mallee and Wimmera regions, this Saturday, 1 December 2018.
Saturday’s conditions in the Wimmera and the Mallee will be warm to hot, with temperatures reaching the low to mid 30s, coupled with winds up to 50kms/hour.
The combination of heat and wind will significantly increase the fire risk, resulting in a Fire Danger Rating of Severe for both regions this Saturday.
Acting Chief Officer Stephanie Rotarangi urged residents of the Mallee and Wimmera regions to prepare for the hot weather and have their fire plan ready to go.
“It’s the first day of summer and we are already having a Total Fire Ban day in the north-west of the state. We are asking all Victorians to be prepared for a long, hot summer”, A/CO Rotarangi said.
“Residents in the Mallee and Wimmera must heed the total fire ban conditions and understand that it is illegal to light a fire or allow a fire to remain lit in the open air during a total fire ban.
“People need to be aware of the increased fire danger and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”
TFBs mean 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.
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, including:
· 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