SENIOR firefighters have urged people to reconsider activities that might heighten the risk of heat-related emergencies, amid concern about fire conditions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Friday is a day of statewide Total Fire Ban.
Extreme heat and blustery conditions have been forecast for much of the state, and leading firefighters at both state and local levels have warned of the associated dangers.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said the next four, six and up to eight weeks were paramount for bushfires in Victoria.
“If you look at our history here in Victoria, most of the bad days have been one-day events where there has been significant life lost and property loss, and that’s on the back of an extended period of drought for a number of years, and weeks of heatwave,” he said.
He said recent conditions reflected some of the terrible times in the state’s past.
“Let’s learn from it, let’s work together, let’s make sure all Victorians are safe,” Mr Warrington said.
He said the state’s firefighters were skilled and rehearsed at what they needed to do.
“The message is, what do the community do?” Mr Warrington said.
“Make sure you’re well and truly aware of your environment and have a plan of what you’re actually going to do, should a fire occur.”
He urged people to download the VicEmergency app, check fire danger ratings and be aware of emergency broadcasters, both at home and in any area they might be visiting during the Australia Day long weekend.
CFA District 2 rostered duty officer Chris Jacobsen said firefighters had been preparing and planning for the local conditions.
He urged people to put off any activity that would usually see them out in the bush or in dry grass until conditions changed, and to consider the impact their actions could have on others – including firefighters.
“It’s just bloody selfish if people are doing things likely to cause a fire when they shouldn’t be,” Mr Jacobsen said.
He said people ought to ensure they were complying with restrictions applicable during the Fire Danger Period and Total Fire Ban days.
“We’re hoping all our volunteers and staff can enjoy their Australia Day,” Mr Jacobsen said.
Heat health alerts have been issued in relation to Friday’s weather.
The Eaglehawk Landfill will be closed for the day to limit windblown litter and dust.
What will the weather be like?
Thursday’s heat will carry into the evening and intensify on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted.
BOM senior forecaster Richard Carlyon said temperatures would move into the 40s fairly early on Friday, peaking at 46 degrees in the state’s north west.
Bendigo is forecast to reach a top of 45 degrees, with a late cool change.
While parts of Victoria might experience a sharp drop in temperature once the change sweeps through, Mr Carlyon said the effect would be less pronounced in the state’s north.
“They’ll probably notice a six – eight degree drop as that front moves through, but still quite warm conditions when you think about the temperature dropping from the mid-40s to the high 30s,” he said.
BOM predicts Friday’s weather will generally be humid, but the fire danger in most parts of the state will still be severe. Conditions in the Mallee and North Central districts will be extreme, and conditions in the North East and East Gippsland will be very high.
“It [the humidity] does make it more uncomfortable and it does add to heat stress,” Mr Carlyon said.
Heat health warnings issued
A state controller for heat has been appointed, effective until Saturday.
Justin Dunlop said it was important people take steps to keep cool.
“Plan your days so you’re not exercising in extreme heat, you’re not travelling in the extreme heat, and you’re carrying water with you if you’re travelling, particularly if you’re travelling into the country to enjoy the long weekend,” he said.
He said people should keep well hydrated and look out for one another.
Mr Dunlop recommended people touch base with vulnerable community members.
Pleas not to leave children, pets or loved ones in cars were reiterated, as more than 300 incidents had been recorded since December 1.
“Look before you leave your car – make sure you don’t leave anyone behind accidentally,” Mr Dunlop said.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria has also warned of the potential for increased dust levels, ozone or smoke from bushfires.
“Smoky and dusty conditions are particularly hazardous to people with asthma and other lung conditions, those with heart conditions, young children, seniors and pregnant women,” Dr Andrea Hinwood, the EPA’s chief environmental scientist, said.
“We’re asking people take it slow and limit prolonged or heavy outdoor physical activity. And if you’re struggling, your furry friends could be too so keep them indoors with you, if possible.”
Looking ahead to Australia Day
Beaches and waterways
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp is expecting people will be out and about during the Australia Day long weekend.
He expected the heat would make the state’s coastal areas and waterways all the more attractive.
“And that’s natural... and we want people to enjoy themselves and cool down in the water,” Mr Crisp said.
“However, when you’re doing that, if you’re at the beaches swim at a patrolled beach… swim between the flags.
“If you're at inland waterways, go to where the locals are swimming. If you don't know the area, ask a local. Know the conditions in which you're swimming.”
Mr Crisp said there had been 20 drowning deaths since December 1.
“We don’t want to see another one this weekend. Please, let’s take something from these drowning deaths that have occurred.”
Camping
Forest Fire Management Victoria has also advised people considering camping in the Loddon Mallee region to play it safe and do the right thing, especially when it comes to fire restrictions.
FFMVic’s Jeff Wilkie said it was everyone’s responsibility to ensure they know if a Total Fire Ban had been declared and what they could or could not do on such days.
Camp fires are banned on a day of Total Fire Ban, such as Friday.
Restrictions apply on any day during the Fire Danger Period.
About 10 per cent of Victoria’s fires are caused by campfires.
Mr Wilkie said on-the-spot fines of up to $476 applied for people who did not comply with campfire regulations, and people could face a maximum penalty of up to $15,872 if the matter was prosecuted in court.
He said authorised officers would be out patrolling from Gunbower Island out to Echuca during the long weekend.
FFMVic Loddon Mallee assistant chief fire officer Scott Falconer said illegal campfires, dumping rubbish, damaging forest roads and vandalism were unacceptable.
“We encourage everyone to respect the bush and use bins provided or take their rubbish home with them,” he said.
People keen to explore the outdoors at the long weekend should also drink plenty of water and look after others.
“Animals can also be affected by hot weather,” Mr Falconer said.
“If you come across wildlife that appear lethargic, non-responsive or sick, contact a wildlife rehabilitation organisation, vet or Wildlife Shelter or Foster Carer for further assistance.”
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
