Article From The CFA
The fire services are expecting tomorrow (Monday, 3rd February) and Tuesday to be significant fire days with hot, dry and windy weather predicted.
The fire services are expecting tomorrow (Monday, 3rd February) and Tuesday to be significant fire days with hot, dry and windy weather predicted.
Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the
Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a strong southerly wind change on
Monday which could be accompanied by lightning.
“Victoria is very dry and ready to burn, as we have seen over the past two weeks,” he said.
“We are in the middle of another hot spell and
Monday is predicted to be a particularly tricky day due to the early,
strong wind change.
“This southerly wind change could pose a significant
risk for fires that are currently being managed and any new fires that
start.
“It will enter western Victoria early in the day, reach Melbourne by late morning and leave eastern Victoria late afternoon.
“Following the wind change, temperatures will drop
on Tuesday but the fire risk will remain high due to dryness and
continuing strong winds.”
Mr Lapsley said there has been about 34 new fires
start in the last 24 hours. He also revealed that on Tuesday last week,
eight of the 51 fires that started were believed to be caused by
cigarette butts.
“Fires can start almost anywhere and anytime so
people need to be aware of what is happening around them - including
monitoring warnings - and know what they will do to stay safe,” he said.
“School is also back and parents in areas of fire
risk need to adjust their bushfire survival plans to include
contingencies for school pick up on bad days like Monday.
“They should also talk to a teacher about their school’s bushfire plans.”
Mr Lapsley also reminded Victorians to take care of
themselves in this hot weather and check on sick or frail relatives,
friends or neighbours who may need help.
“The Department of Health has a number of heat
health alerts out for Sunday and Monday and the risk posed needs to be
respected," he said.
Read original article on the CFA Website
