WIMMERA emergency services are bracing for an increased fire risk in the region.
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District 17 operations manager Dale Russell said Wednesday’s fire risk meant if a fire did break out, it would be severe.
He said the district had its full incident control team on standby at Horsham’s Grains Innovation Park.
“All our crews throughout the region are prepared and we have aircraft on standby,” he said.
Mr Russell said firefighting planes were stationed at Stawell, Casterton, Hamilton, Ballarat and Colac.
An observation aircraft was also stationed at Horsham.
“The fire danger risk will increase about lunch time and will be high all afternoon,” he said.
“A cool change will come through mid-afternoon, but while the temperatures will drop, the winds will still be strong.
“We expect the strong northerly winds to turn into strong westerly winds.”
Mr Russell said many Wimmera farmers had already stopped harvest for the day.
