Total Fire Ban Declared For Wimmera And Mallee

Conditions are expected to be very hot, with temperatures reaching 38 to 41 degrees across both regions. West to north-westerly winds of 25 to 35 km/h are forecast, with a risk of thunderstorms in the Mallee and parts of the Wimmera during the afternoon and evening. These storms are expected to bring little or no rain, but gusty winds.

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.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the declaration reflects the serious fire risk across both regions.

"This is the second Total Fire Ban in a row for the Wimmera, and tomorrow's conditions will make it very hard to stop a fire if one starts," he said.

"We know these conditions are often used by farmers to get harvesting done, but they are also the same conditions that greatly increase the risk of a fire starting and spreading."

"Earlier today, a fire caused by farming activity near Goomalibee, west of Benalla, escalated quickly and triggered an Emergency Warning, showing how fast things can change.

"We understand the pressure farmers at this time of year, but on days like tomorrow, the safest option is to pause paddock work.

"Everyone should understand how the increased fire danger may affect them and make sure their fire plan is up to date."

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.