The Dereel bushfire burning last month.Credit:Carwoola Rural Fire Brigade
Heffernan warned even smouldering logs could reignite in temperatures that rose above 40 degrees. He said hot northerly winds increased the risk of fire,while below-average rainfall in February meant forested areas could now burn.
“We’re talking about potential locations like the Dandenongs,” he said.
Heffernan said north-westerly winds reaching 40 km/h were expected across the south-west region on Saturday morning with gusts of 50 km/h in the afternoon while the central ranges could see gusts up to 80 km/h.
Sharlene Piggott and her two-year-old son,Jordan,getting some relief from the heat on Friday.Credit:Eddie Jim
But Heffernan said grass fires were also a serious risk,and he expected fire bans would continue beyond Saturday. “I do anticipate there will be a continuation of total fire bans throughout the next three days … particularly around Melbourne.”
The forecast for extreme heat resulted in the postponement of the Yarraville Festival in Melbourne’s inner west,due to take place on Sunday. The event is now scheduled for next week.
Life Saving Victoria also urged beachgoers to take caution over the long weekend with research showing Victoriansfaced double the risk of drowning on public holidays,compared to other days of the year.
The emergency service said there had been a surge in drownings across this summer with 26 people dying throughout Victoria,which is a 44 per cent increase on the decade average.
Life Saving Victoria is urging swimmers to stay between the flags this long weekend.Credit:Justin McManus
Life Saving Victoria’s lifesaving services general manager Liam Krige urged swimmers to take care and stay between the flags. “The record number of lives lost to drowning this summer is yet another reminder that anyone can drown but no one should,” he said.
Lifeguards will patrol more than 65 locations throughout Victoria this weekend.