Thursday, December 26, 2024, has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban for the entire state of Victoria.
No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01am on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, until 11:59pm on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
Hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to impact the state ahead of a westerly wind change late on Thursday and into Friday morning.
A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB has been declared due to the soaring temperatures in the mid-40s across the state on Boxing Day combined with strong winds of 70-80km/h gusting to 100km/h in elevated areas.
“There are two major concerns on Thursday – the fires already burning in the landscape, and any new fires that start as a result of the extreme fire risk,” Jason said.
“Thursday’s conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start.
“The fire at the Grampians National Park hasn’t been contained and is likely to spread further under the forecast conditions on 26 December.
“We want people to continue to enjoy the holiday period but fire safety is a joint responsibility and the community needs to remain alert and in tune with current fire danger ratings and warnings via the VicEmergency website or app and your emergency broadcasters.
“Follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration and understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”
“Fireworks and open-air fires, including campfires, are completely off-limits too.”
Non-compliance with Total Fire Ban restrictions can result in heavy penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
“Staying informed and acting early can make all the difference in a fire emergency. Tune into emergency broadcasts, visit emergency.vic.gov.au, and keep updated on the latest conditions in your area,” Jason said.
Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.
For more information on what you can and can’t do visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website.
They include:
- ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News (keep a transistor radio handy with spare batteries);
- The VicEmergency App (but don’t rely on it);
- The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au (but don’t rely on it);
- The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 (but don’t rely on being able to get through);
- CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook (but don’t rely on it).
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