Residents across Melton and Moorabool are being urged to remain vigilant today, with a total fire ban declared for Victoria’s Central District amid hot, dry and winy conditions.
Authorities have warned that elevated fire danger is forecast across multiple regions, with extreme fire danger ratings declared across Victoria. Any fires that start are expected to spread quickly and become extremely dangerous.
Strong north to north-westerly winds of 30 to 40km/h, with gusts of 50 to 60km/h, as well as possible peaks of up to 70-80km/h predicted, creating challenging conditions for firefighters.
Severe thunderstorms may also bring heavy rain and damaging winds of up to 90km/h across much of western Victoria.
On total fire ban days, strict restrictions apply to activities that could spark a fire. Prohibited activities include burning off, campfires, most barbecues and outdoor cooking, welding and hot works, using chainsaws or lawn mowers, driving certain vehicles in paddocks, beekeeping, incinerators and wildlife guns.
People in Melbourne’s northwest through to Geelong are being reminded of the heightened grassfire risk due to large amounts of unburnt grass and bushland.
Residents are encouraged to check local ratings and warnings via the VicEmergency app or website.
Authorities are urging residents to review their fire plans and consider leaving early if they are near bush or grassland in areas of Extreme Fire Danger. More information about what can and cannot be done on a Total Fire Ban day is available from the Country Fire Authority website.
To stay up to date, check the VicEmergency website: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/.
