A TOTAL fire ban has been declared for Bendigo's region on Monday ahead of hot, dry weather.
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The Victorian government has also urged people to take care as the mercury spikes early in the week, with a forecast of 38 for Bendigo on Monday and 35 on Tuesday.
The Northern Country - which includes Bendigo, Campaspe and Loddon Municipalities - the Mallee and the Wimmera will all be under total fire ban on Monday.
Other news:
Fire danger is forecast to be severe in the Northern Country.
The fire danging rating is also very high in the North Central region, which includes Castlemaine, Harcourt and Maryborough.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said weather conditions meant the Northern Country would experience dangerous fire concitions.
Mr Heffernan urged campers to take care and not light any campfires during the period. He said anyone who had a campfire in recent days should check it had been completely extinguished to avoid flare-ups.
Mr Heffernan said anyone harvesting in the hot dry conditions should take all necessary precautions.
Victorians have also been warned they should never leave children in cars, after Ambulance Victoria responded to 380 callouts for people locked in cars since the end of September.
Almost all of the people were children or toddlers.
Health Minister Martin Foley launched a campaign warning about the dangers of leaving children in cars, even for a very short period.
It encourages parents to develop routines, so they automatically check the back seat before locking a car.
People have also been urged to watch for heatstroke in the hot weather, which kills more other Victorians than any other natural disaster.
Pregnant women, people over 65, anyone with pre-existing medical condition and young children are most at risk of heatstroke.
People should call Triple Zero (000) if anyone is experiencing an extremely high temperature, flushed, dry skin, a rapid pulse, a headache, or disorientation.
All Victorians have been advised to drink plenty of water, seek out air conditioned buildings, schedule activities in the coolest part of the day, wear a hat and sunscreen and check in on others.
A total fire ban means no fire can be lit in the open air, or allowed to remain alight.
Strict rules also apply to the use of farm machinery, chainsaws and lawnmowers.
Find out more about rules for total fire ban days at: cfa.vic.gov.au/
Stay up to date with emergency information at: emergency.vic.gov.au
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
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