Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 30 January, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

CFA ADVICE: First statewide Total Fire Ban

Posted on Monday 30th of January, 2017,

A statewide Total Fire Ban will be in place on Monday for the first time this summer.

Conditions on Monday are expected to be their worst so far this season, with an Extreme Fire Danger Rating forecast for the North East, Severe across the rest of the state except in the South West which will be Very High.

CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said hot, dry and windy conditions would mean major fires could be possible.

“Emergency services are preparing ahead of Monday’s conditions and will be ready to respond to any fire that breaks out,” he said.

“Grasslands around Melbourne and Geelong, as well as Gippsland and North East Foothills, Goldfields and Ballarat area, and the Wimmera are areas of concern.

“Any fire that starts on Monday could be difficult to control.”

Mr Warrington said as many people return from camping trips over the weekend they must ensure any campfires were properly extinguished using water not soil. 

“Fires can still smoulder under soil. If it is cool to touch, it is safe to leave,” he said. 

“Be mindful of your activities, as it could be your actions that result in loss of life or property.  

“Plan ahead to stay cool, as temperatures may climb into the 40s on Monday in some areas of the state.”

Heat health alerts have been issued for Monday in the North Central, North East and Northern Country Districts.

For more information about what is permitted on a day of Total Fire Ban, check the Can I and Can’t I page on the CFA website.

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 VicEmergency App

• The VicEmergency website: www.emergency.vic.gov.au

• VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226

• CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook

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