A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the entire state of Victoria on Thursday, 26 December 2024.
Hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to impact the state ahead of a westerly wind change late on Thursday and into Friday morning.
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 soaring temperatures in the mid 40s across the state on Boxing Day combined with strong winds of 70-80km/h gusting to 100km/h in elevated areas.
"There are two major concerns on Thursday – the fires already burning in the landscape, and any new fires that start as a result of the extreme fire risk," Jason said.
"Thursday's conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start.
"The fire at the Grampians National Park hasn't been contained and is likely to spread further under the forecast conditions on 26 December.
"We want people to continue to enjoy the holiday period but fire safety is a joint responsibility and the community need to remain alert and in tune with current fire danger ratings and warnings via the VicEmergency website or app and your emergency broadcasters.
"Follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration and understand the 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.
