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Wind gusts combined with the significant fire fuel loads across the state, will create a serious fire risk which is why Total Fire Bans (TFB) have been called in six of the nine weather districts. Those districts are: Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, South West and Central (which takes in Melbourne).

Six is the most TFB declarations there have been this fire season.

The Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country also have a ‘Severe’ Fire Danger Rating today.

“We are expecting conditions to be warm tonight with wind picking up Sunday morning, especially in the Western part of the state,” CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said.

“Tomorrow, those conditions will intensify with a dangerous combination of high winds and very dry fuel loads. Fuel loads in many grassland areas and on road sides are heavy because of the strong growth over the past year. Forest areas in the West, Central and North of the state are also very dry.

“The vigorous winds will be fresh to strong from the north, north-west ahead of a wind change from the west that will progress across the state during the day. Isolated thunderstorms are also expected which could bring lightning.

“People need to monitor the local conditions and stay informed about any fire activity. With such a high risk of fast-moving grassfires, people need to be especially careful on the roads.”

Mr Ferguson said people must comply with the strict TFB rules which are legally binding.

“The TFB rules are there to help Victorians avoid accidentally starting serious bush or grass fires during dangerous conditions,” he said.

Milder conditions are expected across the state on Monday and for much of the week.

For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.

People should also tune in to their emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations or SKY NEWS Television.

Information is online at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires or www.cfa.vic.gov.au

TOTAL FIRE BANS (TFB)

Banned:It is illegal to light or maintain campfires, fires for warmth or personal comfort, fires to burn-off grass/weeds/other vegetation or rubbish, incinerators, welding/grinding/soldering/gas cutting (unless a special permit has been issued by CFA/MFB) and solid/liquid fuel barbecues/ovens.

Allowed:Barbecues that are fixed appliances, fired by gas or electricity, and built into permanent structures of brick, stone or concrete ARE allowed provided that:

• The area 3 metres around the barbecue is cleared of flammable material

• You have either a hose connected to water supply or a vessel with at least 10 litres of water

• An adult is there at all times when the fire is alight.

Gas or electric fired portable barbecues ARE allowed provided that:

• It is located within 20 metres of your dwelling (portable places of residence such as mobile homes, caravans or tents are not dwellings in accordance with the CFA Act)

• The area 3 metres around the barbecue is cleared of flammable material

• You have either a hose connected to a water supply or a vessel with at least 10 litres of water

• An adult is there at all times when the fire is alight.

Caterers can set up and light a fire to operate a barbecue or a spit at outdoor functions if they have a written permit issued by CFA or MFB and comply with it.

Avoid:

Using machinery with an internal combustion or heat engine - such as tractors, slashers, excavating or road making equipment - within 9 metres of any crops, grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation.

Using a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower.

Driving a vehicle (or leaving it running) where it will be in contact with crops, grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation (and only if vehicle is fitted with an efficient silencing device or spark arrestor that takes all exhaust from the engine).