Victorians are being urged to prepare for a dangerous few days of extreme heat and fire risk, with severe to extreme heatwave conditions remaining in place until Saturday.
With temperatures soaring into the mid 40s broadly across the state today, before peaking on Friday, this level and intensity of a heatwave has not been felt by Victorians since the summer of 2019.
An extreme heatwave warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) for Northern Country, North East, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland districts, while the remainder of the state is under a severe heatwave warning.
Total Fire Bans (TFB) are in place today for the Wimmera, South West and Central districts, following Extreme Fire Danger Ratings. No fire can be lit or allowed to stay alight in the open air until 11:59 pm tonight in all three districts. Elsewhere High Fire Danger Ratings are in place.
Hot, dry and windy conditions can cause fires to spread quickly and be extremely dangerous. This can make it hard for firefighters to suppress a fire should one break out. People should be prepared to leave early and action their bushfire plan.
During today and the coming days, temperatures in the north of the state are expected to reach low-to-mid-40s, and high-30s to low-40s in the south, with no relief overnight for the next few days.
Start preparing for the conditions early in the day by closing windows and blinds to prevent the heat entering your home. Drink plenty of water and watch for signs of dehydration or heat-related illnesses.
Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone. Check in with family, friends, neighbours and people most at risk.
A bushfire ignited in Mt Lawson State Park on Monday and has now spread to 814 hectares. Firefighting aircraft have been called upon alongside ground crews to attack the blaze as the terrain has made it difficult to access.
CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria crews worked overnight, carrying out backburning operations to prepare for the northerly wind change and higher temperatures. With the wind change coming and the fire danger increasing from today, landholders in the area are advised to be prepared and act early.
Quotes attributable to the State Control Centre State Response Controller, Garry Cook
“It is really important people take the actions needed to protect themselves and their family from both the heat and elevated fire danger today. Have your bushfire plan ready to go and be prepared to leave early.
“Understand how the inceased fire risk will impact you, consider if your plan covers all contingencues and download the VicEmergency App to stay well informed throughout the day.
“With temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees, stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, stay cool indoors, check in on loved ones and reschedule activities where possible.”
Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including
- VicEmergency app
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
- Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and X
