A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Wimmera tomorrow, Sunday 17 November, 2024 after significant fires kicked off today in the west of the state.
There is already a significant fire going in Kadnook in the Wimmera with emergency warnings in place and strong winds expected to continue tomorrow with westerly winds up to 60 to 70 km/h.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said tomorrow's conditions, while not extreme, could exacerbate the fires not yet under control.
“There have been many escaped burns today and a significant fire in Casteron-Edenhope Road, Kadnook that is not yet under control,” Jason said
“We anticipate the fires to get much worse and will monitor conditions overnight. With strong winds expected to continue declaring a TFB for Sunday remains the best option to ensure we reduce the risk and give firefighters the best chance with these challenging conditions.
“With nearly 29,000 operational volunteers across Victoria CFA crews remain ready to protect their communities.
“We’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration.
“Understand the how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”
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 it is a Total Fire Ban on 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