Victorians are facing a hot and stormy 36 hours from Saturday morning, with elevated fire danger before a late change overnight into Sunday.
An Extreme Fire Danger Rating has been forecast for the Mallee, Wimmera, North Central, Central and South West districts. People living in bushfire-prone areas in these districts should take action now to protect their life and property.
A Total Fire Ban has also been declared for these districts, which means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12:01am to 11:59pm.Victorians are being urged to follow all relevant Total Fire Ban restrictions.
Temperatures on Saturday are expected to reach the low 40s in the north west and mid to high 30s in most other parts of the state.
The cool change is not expected to develop in the south west until late Saturday night, then pass through Melbourne from late morning on Sunday.
Very windy conditions are expected overnight Saturday into Sunday, especially around elevated areas.
Anyone planning to be out over the weekend is advised to check their local weather conditions beforehand and be alert to any severe weather warnings in their area issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Victorians are reminded to call VICSES for emergency flood and storm assistance on 132 500, and Triple Zero (000) if they want to report a fire or are experiencing a life-threatening situation.
For more information on Total Fire Ban restrictions, visit the CFA’s website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions
Quotes attributable to Acting Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch
“As we face another hot day today, and the risk of storms tomorrow, I urge all Victorians to be prepared. Understand your local risks, keep up to date with warnings and have a plan in place.
“Victoria remains well prepared for the potential of fires, with a mix of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft positioned across the state to support our firefighters on the ground.
“Thank you to all our dedicated volunteer and career emergency services personnel working this weekend to keep our community safe.”
Quotes attributable to Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan
“We have previously seen major fires occur this late in the season, including the St Patrick’s Day fires in 2018 which occurred in autumn, so we are urging Victorians not to be complacent.
“Total Fire Bans are in place across Mallee, Wimmera, Southwest, North Central, and Central districts today, with heightened fire danger continuing into Sunday, so it’s important for communities to stay aware and informed.
“We’re asking Victorians to understand the risk, follow all fire restrictions, and keep up to date via the VicEmergency app. CFA and our firefighting partners are well prepared, but fire safety is a shared responsibility, so we need everyone to play their part in reducing the risk this weekend.”
Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman
“Campfires are not allowed on Total Fire Ban days and heavy penalties apply. Make sure any campfires from recent days have been properly extinguished so they don’t flare up in today’s hot and windy conditions.
“We want people to enjoy the bush safely. By knowing and following the rules for building and maintaining campfires, we can help keep the bush healthy and safe for all. This includes never leaving a campfire unattended and always fully extinguishing campfires with water, not soil. Make sure it’s cool to touch before leaving.
“Since 1 July 2024, CFA and FFMVic have responded to almost 250 incidents involving campfires, including unattended campfires. Many of which could have been avoided with proper precautions.”
Quotes attributable to VICSES Acting Chief Officer Operations, Alistair Drayton
“With potentially severe thunderstorms forecast for parts of the state this weekend, it’s important at-risk community members take steps to prepare their properties for strong winds by securing any loose outdoor items such as furniture and trampolines.
“Storms have already seen VICSES volunteers called to almost 3,500 requests for assistance relating to trees down this year, so it’s paramount community members remain aware of their risk and heed any warnings issued.”
Victorians are reminded to never rely on one source of information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including:
- VicEmergency app or website: www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- Tune in to your official emergency broadcasters
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
- Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and X
