Victoria and parts of South Australia have been placed under a total fire ban after Boxing Day’s high temperatures and strong winds created the perfect storm for extreme bushfire conditions.
According to the Country Fire Association (CFA), Boxing Day has been declared as a total fire ban for all areas of Victoria suffering “extreme” conditions except East Gippsland which is still rated “high”.
Over the last week, fires have been burning through the Grampians. Last night, the fire continued to grow, putting residents in danger.
“The fire overnight has grown, it’s created its own fire conditions in the last few hours,” said incident controller Mark Gunning, per the ABC.
“It’s well over 50,000 hectares now, so a fire of that size just poses so many dangers in so many parts of the fire at once.”
Most recently, residents in Mafeking have been told to leave immediately as the fire continues to burn towards the east, whilst a Watch and Act warning has been issued to communities in Jallukar, Londonderry, Moyston, Rhymney and Willaura North.
On Christmas Day afternoon, residents of Moyston and Pomonal were ordered to leave to safety, whilst Halls Gap was evacuated over the weekend.
In South Australia, the Country Fire Service (CFS) declared five total fire bans in the Murrayland, Riverland, Mid-North, upper and lower South East areas. While a cool change has already begun in SA, south Australians are reminded to stay vigilant.
“Even with the fresh and gusty winds behind the change, the fire danger will stay a bit elevated,” Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Simone Timcke told the ABC.
What is a total fire ban?
A total fire ban is declared on days when fires are likely to spread rapidly and would be difficult to control. As a result, residents are not allowed to engage in any activities that might spark a fire.
This can include BBQing, using firepits or braziers, driving vehicles in areas with long grass or performing any hot work like welding.
You can see a full list — and helpful instructional videos — of what you can and can’t do HERE.
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