Total Fire Ban declared for all Victoria on Friday; Northern Country and North East on Thursday

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for tomorrow, Thursday 19 December for Northern Country and the North East fire districts. A state-wide Total Fire Ban will follow on Friday 20 December 2019.

Total Fire Ban declared for all Victoria on Friday; Northern Country and North East on Thursday

The Total Fire Ban means that in the Northern Country and North East fire districts, no fires can be lit in the open air or be allowed to remain alight in the open air, including campfires and burn-offs, between midnight tonight and 11.59pm tomorrow.

As a total fire ban has been declared for the entire state on Friday, no fires can be lit in the open air or be allowed to remain alight in the open air, including campfires and burn-offs, anywhere in Victoria between midnight tomorrow and 11.59pm on Friday.

Fire restrictions are in place in most Victorian municipalities, with the last remaining restrictions coming into effect on Monday. A full list of the restrictions is available on the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au. 

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a cool change late today in the southern parts of the state, including Melbourne. The cool change will bring a welcome reprieve tonight and tomorrow for the south, but hot and dry conditions will remain across Victoria’s north.

On Friday, extreme heat is forecast for the whole state, with temperatures expected to reach the high 40s in the north. A gusty, southwesterly change late on Friday night will bring a heightened fire risk.

Fire Danger Ratings tomorrow are Severe in the North East fire district, and Very High in Northern Country, Mallee, Wimmera and North Central fire districts.

On Friday, the Fire Danger Ratings are Severe across the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country and South West, and Very High across the rest of the state.

State Response Controller Gavin Freeman said that while Victoria’s fire agencies and emergency managers are on alert and prepared for the conditions, the community cannot be complacent and should prepare to help prevent fires. 

“Hot and dry conditions are expected across the north tomorrow, with escalating fire risk across the state on Friday as temperatures soar into the high 40s in some places. We already have several fires burning in East Gippsland and we certainly want to avoid any new fires starting,” he said.

“We urge all Victorians to be aware that fires can happen anywhere and without warning, and to make their plans accordingly. Fire agency crews are well prepared and it’s extremely important that the community is also prepared, not only for the next couple of days, but for the months to come”.

Mr Freeman said Victorians should take action to protect themselves from the heat tomorrow and look after those most at risk.

“This includes your neighbours living alone, the elderly, the young, people with medical conditions and don’t forget your pets,” he said.

“Stay aware of your surroundings and if you’re travelling or in unfamiliar places, make sure you are aware of the local risk. Know how to stay informed and never rely on one source for emergency information.”

Always use multiple sources to stay informed during an emergency:  

/CFA News Release. View in full here.