Fire Ban in the Mallee and Wimmera

“There is also a ‘Severe’ Fire Danger Rating for Wimmera and Mallee Districts and, importantly, grassland in those areas has already dried out and is a significant fuel load.

“We expect a cool change in the early to late evening tomorrow which will see conditions improve.”

Mr Ferguson said CFA and DSE will move additional aircraft into the two Districts as part of preparations.

He said while there has been some rain recently in the Wimmera and Mallee Districts it had been mostly isolated thunderstorms and significant areas had received little or no rain.

“Harvesting is in full progress, especially in the Mallee, and as a high-risk activity, we are calling on farmers and contractors to use common sense in ceasing harvesting when the wind speed increases during the day,” he said.

“The fire agencies are also asking anyone who has been burning off in the last few weeks to double check that their burn is fully extinguished.”

Mr Ferguson said that last month there were more than 60 fires across the state on a single hot, dry day.

“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world. Being prepared and having a written and practiced Bushfire Survival Plan can save you and your family from being killed by fire,” he said.

TOTAL FIRE BANS (TFB)

Total Fire Bans are declared by CFA on days when fires are more likely to start, spread rapidly and be difficult to control.

Banned: It is illegal to light or maintain campfires, fires for warmth or personal comfort, incinerators, fires to burn-off grass/weeds or other vegetation, welding/grinding/soldering/gas cutting (unless a special permit has been issued by CFA/MFB) and solid/liquid fuel barbecues/ovens.

Allowed: Barbecues that are fixed appliances, fired by gas or electricity, and built into permanent structures of brick, stone or concrete ARE allowed provided that:

• The area 3 metres around the barbecue is cleared of flammable material

• You have either a hose connected to water supply or a vessel with at least 10 litres of water

• An adult is there at all times when the fire is alight.

Gas or electric fired portable barbecues ARE allowed provided that:

• It is located within 20 metres of your dwelling (portable places of residence such as mobile homes, caravans or tents are not dwellings in accordance with the CFA Act)

• The area 3 metres around the barbecue is cleared of flammable material

• You have either a hose connected to a water supply or a vessel with at least 10 litres of water

• An adult is there at all times when the fire is alight.

Caterers can set up and light a fire to operate a barbecue or a spit at outdoor functions if they have a written permit issued by CFA or MFB and comply with it.

Avoid: Using machinery with an internal combustion or heat engine - such as tractors, slashers, excavating or road making equipment - within 9 metres of any crops, grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation.

Using a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower.

Driving a vehicle (or leaving it running) where it will be in contact with crops, grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation (and only if vehicle is fitted with an efficient silencing device or spark arrestor that takes all exhaust from the engine).

SEVERE -- What does it mean?

Expect hot, dry and possibly windy conditions.

If a fire starts and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable.

Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety.

You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.

What should I do?

• Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety - check your bushfire survival plan.
• Even if you are prepared, leaving bushfire prone areas early in the day is your safest option.
• Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass.
• Be aware of local conditions and seek information by listening to your emergency broadcasters, go to cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Remember: Staying to defend a well prepared property is very difficult and can be extremely risky. There is no guarantee that a fire truck or fire fighters will be able to assist you. Your life may be at risk or you may be seriously injured defending your property.

For information (including the other Fire Danger Ratings) visit cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.