The Country Fire Authority has declared a Total Fire Ban for the Wimmera fire weather district on Wednesday (07 January), as hot, dry, and windy conditions are forecast to elevate fire risk levels.

• The Total Fire Ban will be in effect from 0001 hours to 2359 hours (local time) on Wednesday (07 January).
• The declaration is driven by the development of strong northwesterly winds and very high daytime temperatures, with maximum temperatures forecast to reach 42 to 44 degrees Celsius in northern areas and 39 to 41 degrees Celsius in southern parts of the state. These conditions are expected to significantly increase the likelihood of rapid fire spread.
• Under a Total Fire Ban, no fires are permitted in open air for the duration of the ban. Authorities have indicated that fire suppression may be challenging should an ignition occur, given dry landscapes and elevated fuel loads across the region.