Total Fire Ban Declared For Entire State

Victoria is set to experience severe heatwave conditions tomorrow, with potentially record-breaking temperatures forecast in northern parts of the state.

Tomorrow's conditions will be similar to those experienced on Saturday (25 January) albeit moderately hotter. Fresh North to North-westerly winds are expected before a cool change later in the day.

A sharp, gusty south westerly change will reach the southwest coast in the afternoon and hit Melbourne after sunset. There is also the slight chance of dry thunderstorms over the west of the state.

Extreme fire danger conditions are forecast for parts of the Central, North Central, South West, Wimmera and Mallee Fire Districts, with high fire danger expected elsewhere.

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 ban.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB has been declared due to ongoing fires in the landscape, combined with the extreme heat.

"Tomorrow is not a day for complacency," Jason said.

"Now is the time to have your bushfire plan ready, talk with your family about what you'll do if a fire starts, and be prepared to act early."

"We're urging everyone to restrict any unnecessary travel tomorrow. Farming activity should also be paused."

"Those in risk areas should stay informed by using the VicEmergency app, setting a watch zone, and having access to more than one source of emergency information."

A statewide Advice message encouraging people to prepare for extreme heat has been issued on VicEmergency.

"It will be extremely hot with little to no overnight relief, particularly in the north and east. Make sure you're staying hydrated and checking in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours," Jason said.

This morning, Victoria Police and Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) crews began door knocking homes and properties in the Greater Otways area, urging residents to evacuate.

"While all fires across the state are being treated extremely seriously, we are particularly concerned about the Carlisle River fire in the Otways, Jason said.

"This action is being taken to keep the community safe ahead of tomorrow's conditions."

Relief information is available at emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.