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THE CFA is bracing for a heightened fire risk with temperatures set to soar.
Bendigo duty officer Craig Houlahan said this week's conditions were ripe for fires to quickly burn out of control.
"We’re at the pointy end of the fire season," he said.
"Grasslands will run extremely intense and hot. We’re expecting conditions to get worse over the week."
A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the entire state on Tuesday.
Mr Houlahan said crews were on high alert and were ready to respond to fires on the ground and from the air.
He said hot, dry winds, coupled with dry grass and high fuel loads created an ominous threat for firefighters.
"It will really continue to worsen until we get a decent amount of rain, which I don't think will be happening over the next few days."
He said people needed to remain vigilant, and avoid any activity that could spark a fire.
He also urged anyone to double-check their fire plan and make sure they are in a position to be able to flee.
The fire service can only do so much
- Craig Houlahan
"The fire service can only do so much. If a fire starts and takes hold we will not be able to suppress it until conditions are conducive, when it's slightly cooler in the evening."
Mr Houlahan said all of central Victoria posed a high-fire risk.
CFA Loddon Mallee community education co-ordinator Paul Tangey said people should be cautious and not rely solely on warnings when it came to fire danger.
"People need to check the conditions and keep up-to-date with what is happening in their area," he said.