The heatwave has brought temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s across the state, with dry thunderstorms and lightning in eastern and central districts.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan is urging all Victorians to be prepared.
“With multiple significant fires already burning in the Grampians and Little Desert, this stretch of hot and dry weather could make conditions even more challenging for firefighters,” he said.
“Review your bushfire survival plan, discuss it with your family and ensure everyone knows what to do if a fire threatens your area.”
Halls Gap resident Trish Ravenhall said the importance of being prepared became clear when the recent Grampians fire reached her community.
“In hindsight, we should have been more prepared before we got the evacuation message, with an emergency kit ready to go,” she said.
“People need to have a bushfire plan and an evacuation kit ready with medications, phone chargers, food for pets and anything else you’ll need.
“Do it not just for yourself but for your family, your neighbours and the emergency services who are there to protect us.
“They should be focused on fighting the fire, not wondering where people are and if they’re safe.”
CFA is urging residents to:
- Finalise your bushfire survival plan. Discuss with family members what you will do and when you will leave.
- Pack an emergency kit with medications, important documents, pet supplies and essentials.
- Stay informed via VicEmergency alerts and warnings. Conditions can change rapidly.
- Prepare your property by clearing gutters, removing flammable materials and ensuring fire trucks have clear access.
For more information, go to cfa.vic.gov.au/
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