Victorians are being urged to prepare for worsening fire conditions on Friday, in particular for the Wimmera, Northern Country, and North Central districts with these districts forecast to reach a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating.
A Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating means conditions will be the most dangerous for a fire and if a fire starts and takes hold, lives and homes are likely to be lost.
Due to these conditions along with widespread Extreme Fire Danger Ratings for remainder of the state, there is likely to be a statewide Total Fire Ban on Friday for all fire weather districts.
Now is the time to enact your bushfire plan to best safeguard yourself and your family.
The safest option for people currently living or holidaying in bushland areas covered by potential catastrophic risk is to leave by early Friday morning at the latest.
The situation remains dynamic and communication will be provided to communities as soon as possible in line with expert advice.
Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including the VicEmergency App and tune into local emergency broadcasters.
Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch
“A Catastrophic fire danger rating means fires are unpredictable and uncontrollable. We need the community to play their role alongside our emergency services to protect lives and property.
“Prepare now and enact your bushfire survival plan. If you are in an area of forecast Catastrophic fire danger, leave early to an area with a lower fire risk.”
Quotes attributable to Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan
“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get your information.
“Do not plan to defend your home on days of Catastrophic fire danger, even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions and emergency services may not be able to reach you.”
Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman
“Our crews have been working hard already to contain fires in the landscape, however, conditions are set to worsen. We are relying on the community to take action to protect themselves.
“People currently in areas such as forests, bushlands and parks are facing significant risk on Friday. Now is not the time to be complacent with your safety – leave early.”
Sources of information include:
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VicEmergency app
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Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
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Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
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Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and X
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Media contact:
State Control Centre Media via 1300 287 289
