Statewide total fire ban declared as Boxing Day scorcher looms

High temperatures and strong winds are set to create the perfect storm for firefighters already tackling a huge blaze in the Grampians, with a total fire ban declared across Victoria for Boxing Day.

A total fire ban has been issued for all of Victoria on Boxing Day as the state braces for another day of extreme fire weather.

As a fire continues to rage in the Grampians, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said conditions forecast for Boxing Day mean it is likely to spread.

“There are two major concerns on Thursday – the fires already burning in the landscape, and any new fires that start as a result of the extreme fire risk,” he said.

A total fire ban has been declared for Victoria on Boxing Day as a fire continues to rage in the Grampians. Picture: Supplied

North Hamilton Rural Fire Brigade members watch over a bushfire in the Grampians: Picture North Hamilton Rural Fire Brigade/Facebook

“The fire at the Grampians National Park hasn’t been contained and is likely to spread further under the forecast conditions on 26 December.

The CFA announced on Tuesday no fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12.01am to 11.59pm on Thursday, 26 December.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the total fire ban had been declared due to the soaring temperatures in the mid-40s across the state on Boxing Day, combined with strong winds of 70 to 80km/h gusting to 100km/h in elevated areas.

“We want people to continue to enjoy the holiday period but fire safety is a joint responsibility and the community needs to remain alert and in tune with current fire danger ratings and warnings,” Mr Heffernan said.

Originally published as Statewide total fire ban declared as Boxing Day scorcher looms