Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Thursday, 21 November, 2019. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.

Mallee and Northern Country Districts face a Code Red Day today

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said if a fire starts in today's conditions it will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Fire agencies will find these fires difficult to control.

There is a high likelihood that people in the path of a fire will be killed or seriously injured in these conditions.

The EMC has determined today (21 November 2019) is a Code Red Day because a combination of high temperatures overnight, little relief followed up with predicted high temperatures and high wind speeds today which meets the criteria for the declaration of a Code Red Day.

A State-wide Total Fire Ban has been declared across the State to prevent new fires starting.

Mr Crisp said Victoria had not experienced a Code Red Day and this needed to be taken seriously.

“Our message to community members in these areas is that leaving high bushfire risk areas as soon as possible is the safest option,” he said.

“We know this can be difficult to plan for and some will find it inconvenient. As a result of the predicted conditions, some schools and early childhood centres are closed in some weather districts and community services may not be available.

“Your plans need to suit your circumstances, however going to your nearest regional city centre, going to the movies, the pool, or a shopping centre are some options people can consider.”

Mr Crisp said it was already hot and people needed to ensure they were looking after themselves and others, particularly those who need additional assistance in the heat.

“Our community members should be prepared for fire, and know where to get information to make good decisions about your safety,” he said.

“Given fires could start and move quickly, you won’t always receive a warning or be told what to do if a fire starts. The fire agencies advise you not to wait and see, it’s up to you to be prepared and to know what you will do”.

“The safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas in a Code Red and leaving the night before or early in the day is the safest option.”

A Code Red Day means that all public parks are closed, some community services are unavailable and some local council facilities will be closed.

During extreme weather, such as a Code Red Day, localised power outages may happen. Make sure you have your emergency kit ready, including medication, battery-operated torches, radio and phones.

It’s important to have more than one way to access information and stay informed:

Bookmark www.emergency.vic.gov.au, download the VicEmergency app and set up your own Watchzone or tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV;
Call the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about preparedness on freecall 1800 226 226; People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677;
For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.

CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said Victoria’s fire agencies and emergency managers were on high alert and prepared for the worst conditions.

“Today's conditions are extremely difficult for firefighters and the community if we get fires running.

“The reality is fires are incredibly difficult to control and there are many aspects our communities need to consider in planning for it,” he said.

“Homes are not built to withstand the types of fires we may see on a Code Red Day and you don’t want to be caught travelling through areas on fire at the last minute if you wait and see."

Click here to see school and early childhood care services closures.

Click here for ways to survive the heat.

Click here for a list of cooling centres that will get you out of the heat.