Update 2.22pm: Statement from the CFA
"Thursday 19 March 2020 has been declared by the CFA as a day of Total Fire Ban in the following areas in Victoria:
- Mallee
- Wimmera
- Northern Country
"No fires can be lit in the open air between 00:01 hours on 19/03/2020 and 23:59 hours on 19/03/2020.
"CFA advises people living in areas at risk of fire to activate their bush fire plan"
Earlier: COUNTRY Fire Authority District 17 commander Wayne Hirth has urged Wimmera farms to control any existing paddock burns and not start new ones, as volunteers prepare for a day of extreme fire danger on Thursday.
It comes as the CFA has announced the Fire Danger Period will end for Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and the northern part of West Wimmera municipalities on Monday, March 23.
Mr Hirth said the situation had changed quickly since the initial prediction of severe fire danger on Tuesday.
"With regards to people issued to do paddock burns, they should not be burning," he said.
"Permit conditions state they should look at the weather in the next day or two when making their decision. If we have extreme days predicted like we do for tomorrow, any burns that aren't secure could get away quite easily."
Landowners can register their burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au.
At this stage, a Total Fire Ban has not been declared for District 17. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting tops of 35 degrees in Horsham and 36 in Warracknabeal.
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
