Community
27 February, 2024
Bushfire warning
THE Country Fire Authority is urging the community to be on high alert ahead of tomorrow’s forecasted extreme weather conditions.
A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the South West fire district, meaning 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 TFB.
Tomorrow’s conditions will be hot and windy with temperatures reaching mid 40s in the northwest and north of the state. Strong northerly winds are expected around 30-40km/h gusting to 60-80km/h.
Dry lightning is also predicted in the western and central parts of Victoria tomorrow afternoon.
The Extreme Fire Danger Rating in place for the south west tomorrow (Wednesday)means any fires could spread quickly and be extremely dangerous to lives and properties.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said tomorrow’s conditions, along with significant fires going in the west, represent a significant risk to the community.
CO Heffernan said the safest option for people currently in bushfire risk areas is to start planning to leave tonight or early in the morning.
“Tomorrow’s conditions will put you and your families’ lives at risk if a fire starts and takes hold,” he said.
“Do not plan to defend your home on Catastrophic fire danger days – the safest place to be is away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests.
“Catastrophic conditions make it difficult for firefighters to control fires should one start.
“Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety.
“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, emergencies can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.
“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.”
Victorians can find out if a Total Fire Ban is declared on the CFA website at 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 CFA website.
Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.
They include:
Radio;
The VicEmergency App;
The VicEmergency website (www.emergency.vic.gov.au);
The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226; and
CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook.