General News
16 November, 2024
Total fire ban extended as bushfire takes hold in Wimmera's west
A total fire ban has been declared for Saturday, November 16.
The CFA has has issued a total fire ban across the Wimmera for Sunday, November 17 as fire crews continue to battle an out of control bushfire in the region's west.
The ban has been declared after significant fires kicked off today in the west of the state on Saturday, November 16.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said tomorrow's conditions, while not extreme, could exacerbate the fires not yet under control.
"There have been many escaped burns today and a significant fire in Casteron-Edenhope Road, Kadnook that is not yet under control," said chief officer Heffernan.
"We anticipate the fires to get much worse and will monitor conditions overnight. With strong winds expected to continue declaring a TFB for Sunday remains the best option to ensure we reduce the risk and give firefighters the best chance with these challenging conditions.
"With nearly 29,000 operational volunteers across Victoria CFA crews remain ready to protect their communities.
"We're asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration.
"Understand the how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies."
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.
For more information on what you can and can't do visit the Can I or Can't I page on the CFA website.
Earlier: The Country Fire Authority has announced a total fire ban for the Wimmera and Mallee fire districts on Saturday, November 16.
This comes after the CFA declared both regions have an 'extreme' fire danger.
The council's that the ban includes Horsham Rural City, Hindmarsh Shire, Northern Grampians Shire, West Wimmera Shire and Yarriambiack Shire.
No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01 AM on November 16 until 11:59 PM.
The CFA advised Victorians that they can expect a hotter and drier summer and that communities should prepare their properties and create a Bushfire Survival Plan.
On Sunday, November 24, members of the public are invited to Stawell Neighborhood House from 9.30 to 12 noon.
Members of the CFA, SES and Ambulance Victoria will provide tips on how to keep yourself, family, community and home safe.
You can register for the event here: events.humantix.com/stawell-bushfire-preparedness-and-response-multicultural-dialogue-2024