When combined with the significant fire fuel loads across the state, these winds will create a serious fire risk which is why Total Fire Ban (TFB) have been called in six of the nine weather districts.
Those districts are: Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, South West and Central (which takes in
Six is the most TFB declarations there have been this fire season.
The Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country also have a ‘Severe’ Fire Danger Rating tomorrow.
“We are expecting conditions to be warm tonight with wind picking up Sunday morning, especially in the Western part of the state,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Tomorrow, those conditions will intensify with a dangerous combination of high winds and very dry fuel loads. Fuel loads in many grassland areas and on road sides are heavy because of the strong growth over the past year.
“The vigorous winds will be fresh to strong from the north, north-west ahead of a wind change from the west that will progress across the state during the day. Isolated thunderstorms are also expected which could bring lightning.
“People need to monitor the local conditions and stay informed about any fire activity. With such a high risk of fast-moving grassfires, people need to be especially careful on the roads.”
Mr Ferguson said people must comply with the strict TFB rules which are legally binding.
“The TFB rules are there to help Victorians avoid accidentally starting serious bush or grass fires during dangerous conditions,” he said.
Milder conditions are expected across the state on Monday and for much of the week.
For inf
People should also tune in to their emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations
Inf
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,
fires to burn-off grass/weeds/other vegetation or rubbish, incinerators, 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.
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