Residents in the Bendigo region woke to a smoke haze this morning.
The haze has settled across most of Victoria as two large fires continue to burn at Aberfeldy, near Melbourne, and Harrietville, near Bright.
“We want to reassure people that the smoke haze they are seeing could well be from the two large fires we are currently fighting as they are both throwing up a large amount of smoke and will continue to do so for a while to come,” Country Fire Authority state duty officer Gary Weir said.
Mr Weir warned the public to remain vigilant as the temperature soars to 36 degrees today, and to also ensure there was definitely a fire before calling 000.
“That said, it’s important for people to monitor their local conditions and if they see flame or a smoke column please report it immediately to 000," he said.
“As a safety precaution, the public are reminded to reduce speed on roads and drive to the conditions in smoke-affected areas.”
A fire danger rating of very high has been declared for the entire state with a total fire ban in the south west only.
A fire burning at Creswick since Monday remains under control with the CFA working to strengthen containment lines. Advice is still in place for towns including Creswick, Sulky and Bald Hills.
Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said an area of particular concern in central Victoria today was between Avoca and Castlemaine.
Mr Lapsley also warned people travelling for the long weekend to be aware of the weather and fire danger rating of the area they were heading to.
