December 15th 2024.
As the heatwave continues to scorch Victoria, authorities are on high alert and taking necessary precautions to prevent any potential fires. The mercury is expected to soar to a scalding 41 degrees in Melbourne, while Mildura is bracing for a sweltering 46 degrees. These extreme conditions have been described as "beyond extreme" by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief, who also warns that the bush is ripe for a fire to break out.
In light of the dangerous situation, a total fire ban has been declared by the CFA for most parts of the state. This means that no fires can be lit in the open air. To mitigate the risk, a large air tanker and 54 other planes and helicopters have been strategically stationed, ready to take action in case of an emergency. This is one of the worst fire danger days that Victoria has faced in recent years.
The CFA has issued an extreme fire danger rating for several regions, including Mallee, Wimmera, South West, Northern Country, North Central, and Central regions, which also includes major cities like Melbourne and Geelong. Other areas like North East, West, and South Gippsland have been given a high fire danger rating, while East Gippsland is currently at a moderate rating. CFA chief executive Jason Heffernan urges everyone to be on high alert and prepared for what could be a challenging day.
"The bush is ready to burn...I am concerned, leading into [today], it will be a hot, nasty day," Heffernan said. "If fires do start in the landscape, they will be hard to suppress, they will spread very quickly." He also shared updates and important information on the CFA's official website to keep the public informed and aware.
Some of the areas of particular concern include Lake Bolax, Westmere, Cressy, and Winchelsea. The Bureau of Meteorology's Michael Efron also warns of potential storm activity, with the possibility of dry lightning strikes that could trigger fires. "Isolated thunderstorm activity developing over western and central parts could result in dry lightning and trigger some fire starts," Efron said.
In light of the dangerous conditions, it is important to stay informed and prepared. The 9News app is a great resource for staying updated on the latest news, sports, politics, and weather. You can download it on the Apple App Store or Google Play and get notifications straight to your smartphone. Stay safe and stay informed.
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