WITH temperatures set to soar over this long weekend, Victorian fire agencies have warned people living in or travelling to regional Victoria to monitor fire conditions.
Victorians should keep an eye on Fire Danger Ratings, which have forecast very high ratings across the south-west throughout the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted severe heatwave conditions across the entire state, which started on Thursday as the mercury soared to 34.5 degrees on Thursday afternoon and an expected top of 38 degrees yesterday and 33 today, before an expected change tomorrow.
While a total fire ban had not yet been declared at time of going to print, in the south-west, one may be triggered if the temperature, humidity and wind conditions change.
With a couple of very high fire danger days coming up, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) District 4 Acting Chief Fire Officer, John Leben said the weather and dry land meant there was of course some concern a fire may start.
“The grass is starting to cure off quite quickly and with the increased weather (today), it will carry a fire,” he said.
“With the amount of people moving around the area it’s important they are aware of where they are, what they’re doing and they’re staying safe throughout the period.”
Mr Leben said people should have their fire plan ready and remove any flammable items up against the side of the house before high fire danger days.
“Before the fire starts people need to be ready, enact the fire plan early … if you’re not comfortable then don’t be there, be somewhere else and if you’re not prepared be somewhere else,” he said.
Holidaymakers and locals in the south-west should also remain vigilant as conditions can change quickly.
“(There is) lots of farming activity over to the east of Hamilton … people should be aware that there will be lots of movement of farm machinery – the farmers are very good at what they do but there’s always a risk with a lot of harvesting occurring but we’re well a truly prepared for that and the farmers are aware and ready as well,” Mr Leben said.
CFA District 5 Commander, David Ferguson said quite a few fires in the area had been started where people had previously been burning off and people should keep an eye on those spots on their property.
“In District 5, a few fires have started where people had burn-offs … and those things start up on the first hot, windy day, so we would recommend people remain vigilant,” he said.
VicEmergency also issued a warning yesterday morning, for residents to monitor their own health status and that of vulnerable residents, including children, the elderly and even pets, on days of extreme heat.
The social media warning advised heat could make anyone sick, regardless of age or existing health status, however people over 65 years old, the very young and those with a pre-existing medical condition, were most at risk.
Heat-related illness can range from mild conditions, such as a rash or cramps to heatstroke - which is life threatening.
Nurse on Call should be phoned if anyone is unwell and symptoms are not improving after taking actions to cool down and emergency Triple-Zero (000) should be phoned if someone is showing signs of heatstroke, such as vomiting, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, confusion, fits or loss of consciousness.
