The first Total Fire Ban (TFB) of the 2025/26 fire season has been declared for the Mallee tomorrow, 16 October 2025.
Tomorrow's conditions in the Mallee will see temperatures reach the high-30s with winds north to north-westerly before shifting west to south-westerly in the late afternoon, along with the chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening.
This first TFB comes three weeks earlier than last year's, which was declared on 5 November 2024. The declaration follows seasonal outlooks indicating an earlier start to Victoria's fire season, with dry conditions and below-average rainfall across much of the state contributing to an elevated fire risk this spring.
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 expected conditions across the Mallee tomorrow.
"While it may look green out there, the heathlands in the Mallee and bushland around Victoria is very dry due the limited rainfall," Jason said.
"Landowners are encouraged to check their recent burn offs from the last 24 to 48 hours due to high winds. We know burn offs can flare-up several days afterwards, so it is important residents are consistently monitoring wind conditions tomorrow."
"We're asking people in the Mallee to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration."
"Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies."
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.
