A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Mallee region tomorrow, 15 November 2020.
Tomorrow’s conditions in the Mallee will be hot and dry, with temperatures reaching into the 40s, paired with gusty winds and a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening.
The combination of heat, strong winds and chance of thunderstorms will significantly increase the fire risk, resulting in a Fire Danger Rating of Severe for the Mallee region.
Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said the weather conditions forecast for tomorrow in the Mallee District pose an elevated fire risk.
“Tomorrow, the Mallee District will reach a Severe Fire Danger Rating due to the forecasted higher wind speeds and increased grassland curing in the area,” A/CO Cook said.
“As grasses start to dry out with the warmer weather, neighbouring districts are likely to also experience elevated dangerous fire conditions.
“Western and central districts will likely be affected by storms tomorrow afternoon before it moves across to the eastern region in the evening.”
TFBs mean no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.
Strict rules also apply to the operation of farm machinery, chainsaws and lawn mowers.
