A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Tuesday, 17 November 2015 for the following fire weather districts:
CFA Chief Officer Joe Buffone said warm weather appeared to be building across the week.
“Tuesday is forecast for warm to hot temperatures in the low 30s, with winds tending north to northwesterly,” Mr Buffone said.
“It’s important Victorians are vigilant, as any fire which starts in these districts will be difficult to control.
“Northwesterly winds of up to 35km/h are forecast for the morning in the Mallee. A late afternoon wind change that will push through the west and southwest of the state will be of particular concern.”
During a TFB – subject to exceptions - no fire can be lit in the open air or be allowed to remain alight in the open air between 00:01 and 23:59.
Mr Buffone said residents and visitors to these regions need to heed the warnings.
“Farmers should consider postponing any work that requires the use of machinery such as tractors or slashers around crops and stubble.
“Equipment should also be defect-free and fitted with a working spark arrester.
“For campers and other visitors to these areas, campfires are not permitted. And please ensure any previously ignited fire is extinguished from midnight.”
The TFBs come ahead of further warm weather predicted later this week.
He said it was vital to never rely on just one source of information but to use multiple sources including:
- ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations or Sky News
- The FireReady App – which sends push notifications for incidents, Total Fire Bans and Fire Danger Ratings
- The emergency.vic.gov.au website
- Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667
- CFA Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Author: CFA Media