A total fire ban has been declared for a huge portion of Victoria for Saturday, March 18, including the Greater Shepparton, Echuca, Cobram and Seymour areas.
The Country Fire Authority said the declaration applied to the Mallee, Wimmera, South West, Northern Country, North Central and Central fire districts.
It said Saturday's conditions across those fire districts would be hot with temperatures reaching up to the high 30s and with winds of up to 45km/h in parts.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the conditions could make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start.
“We are asking people to take heed of the total fire ban conditions,” he said.
“People need to be aware of the increased fire danger and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.
“Anyone who has been issued a permit to burn in these areas must postpone these fuel reduction activities until after the total fire ban, as per the conditions of the permit.”
A total fire ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the total fire ban.
More information, including which fire region you live in, can be found via the CFA website, at www.cfa.vic.gov.au
More information on what you can and can't do is available on the Can I or Can't I page on the CFA website.
The CFA said Victorians should also make sure they had access to more than one source of information.
They include:
- ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
- The VicEmergency App
- The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
- CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook