A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Tuesday 8 December 2015 in the Mallee, Wimmera, South West, Northern Country and North Central Fire Weather Districts.
CFA Chief Officer Joe Buffone said a second day of hot weather across the west and northern parts of the state meant Fire Danger Ratings had reached Severe in those four districts.
“Monday's warmer conditions have dried and pre-heated western Victoria in particular, making fire a very real danger well into the afternoon and evening,” Mr Buffone said.
“Combined with a strong wind change and the chance of dry thunderstorms, people need to remain vigilant.”
Mr Buffone said unusually, the fire danger would intensify after the change which would sweep east through the state from early morning.
“It’s very uncommon to see fire danger actually increase after a change, but this weather pattern will see fire danger ratings push into severe for an extended period in the afternoon,” he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast dangerous conditions into the evening in some parts of the state.
Emergency Services were also preparing for the possibility of strong winds and thunderstorm activity as the change arrives in the afternoon.
There is also the chance of localised heavy rainfall, particularly on the North East ranges.
Residents in the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country Fire Weather Districts should visit CFA’s website to check the Can and Can’t I page to familiarise themselves with the rules around what is and isn’t permitted on a day of total fire ban.
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 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 Tel. 1800 240 667
- CFA Twitter www.twitter.com/cfa_updates and CFA Facebook www.facebook.com/cfavic
Mr Buffone said that while information was easily accessible, people should not rely on receiving a warning before deciding what they will do.
Author: CFA Media