Victoria is bracing for severe bushfire threats as the state imposes a Total Fire Ban on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Residents are facing soaring temperatures combined with strong winds, making conditions highly conducive to wildfires.
Temperatures are predicted to reach the mid-40s Celsius across the region, accompanied by wind gusts of 70-80 km/h, with some areas experiencing gusts as high as 100 km/h. According to CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, the Total Fire Ban prohibits any outdoor fires from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM on Boxing Day, aimed at minimizing fire risks during this extreme weather.
Heffernan emphasized the dual concerns of existing uncontrolled fires and the potential for new outbreaks. “There are two major concerns on Thursday – the fires already burning in the landscapes and any new fires,” Heffernan warned. He highlighted the challenge firefighters will face if new fires ignite under such ferocious conditions, stating, “Thursday’s conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start.”
The Grampians National Park, currently experiencing uncontained fires, poses significant challenges to firefighting efforts. Continued hot and dry weather is likely to exacerbate the fire's spread, particularly as strong winds are expected to shift through the region.
Despite the hazardous conditions, Heffernan implores Victorians to maintain their holiday spirit, urging them to take fire safety seriously. “We want people to continue to enjoy the holiday period, but fire safety is a joint responsibility and the community needs to remain alert,” he said.
Victorians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the specifics of the Total Fire Ban. Details can be accessed via the CFA website, where residents can check if there is currently a fire ban declared. The website typically updates this information by 5 PM the day before the ban.
Information on fire safety includes what activities are permissible during the ban, helping residents understand the risks involved. Heffernan stated, “Follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration and understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and your fire plan.”
Accessibility to reliable information during this time is pivotal. Apart from the CFA website, residents are urged to use multiple sources for updates on fire conditions. Recommended channels include ABC local radio, commercial and Sky News stations, the VicEmergency App, and the VicEmergency website. The community can also reach out via the VicEmergency Hotline at 1800 226 226 or through CFA and VicEmergency social media feeds.
With ominous forecasts signaling extreme fire risks, the fight against bushfires this Boxing Day demands vigilance and proactive measures from all Victorians. The total fire ban is not merely a safety measure but a call for community awareness and preparedness.
While the backdrop of the festive season continues, the potential for devastation due to bushfires leads to increased anxiety among residents and firefighters alike. Heffernan concluded, “Make sure you have access to more than one source of information.”
