General News
22 November, 2024
Total fire ban declared for Western Victoria on Saturday, November 23
A total fire ban has been declared for Saturday, November 23.
The CFA has announced a total fire ban for the Wimmera and Mallee fire districts on Saturday, November 23.
Both regions have an "extreme" fire danger rating with temperatures reaching high into the 30s in the northwest and west of the state.
No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01am on November 23 until 11:59pm.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the total fire ban has been declared due to the expected conditions across the Wimmera and the Mallee tomorrow but encourages all Victorians to be aware of the risks in their local areas.
"Tomorrow's hot and dry conditions right across the state will make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start," Chief Officer Heffernan said.
"We saw significant fire activity over the weekend and remind all residents who are preparing their properties ahead of the fire danger period to make sure they are extinguishing properly and are closely attending to their burns.
"If possible, we urge people to postpone burns if they can."
Chief Officer Heffernan also urged farmers to remain vigilant during the current harvest season.
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.
Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information. They include:
ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
The VicEmergency App
The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.auamp;source=gmail&ust=1732335947133000&usg=AOvVaw0uV8EtoiR2BjzGHuSC6Xk9" www.emergency.vic.gov.au
The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook