Bushfires: first Code Red for Victoria in 10 years

Residents of Victoria’s north urged to evacuate as the state’s highest bushfire warning is declared.

A combination of sweltering temperatures and high wind speeds have prompted Emergency Management Victoria to declare the state’s highest bushfire warning — a Code Red. Picture: AAP

Residents of Victoria’s north have been urged to consider evacuating their homes immediately ahead of the worst expected bushfire conditions in 10 years, with fire authorities warning an outbreak could prove to be deadly.

A combination of sweltering temperatures and high wind speeds have prompted Emergency Management Victoria to declare the state’s highest bushfire warning — a Code Red — across the Mallee and Northern Country regions for Thursday. It is the first time a Code Red has been issued since new arrangements came into play in 2014, following an overhaul of the bushfire warning system in the wake of the catastrophic Black Saturday bushfires, which claimed 173 lives and destroyed thousands of properties, in February 2009.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp warned that should a fire start in such conditions it would likely be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast-moving.

There was a high likelihood that people in the path of such an outbreak would be killed or seriously injured, he said.

“Our message to community members in these areas is that leaving high bushfire risk areas tonight or early tomorrow morning is the safest option,” Mr Crisp said.

“Our community members should be prepared for fire, and know where to get information to make good decisions.

“Given fires could start and move quickly, you won’t always receive a warning or be told what to do if a fire starts.

“The safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas in a Code Red and leaving the night before or early in the day is the safest option.”

The “Code Red” warning comes as the northern part of the state, which includes the towns of Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca and Shepparton, is expecting temperatures into the low 40s on Thursdays, with winds northerly 35 to 55km/h shifting south-westerly 35 to 50km/h in the early afternoon.

Melbourne is also expecting hot conditions, with a top forecast of 39 degrees.

A total fire ban will also apply across the state.

Code Red conditions typically lead to the closure of public parks, while some community services and council facilities will be unavailable. Localised power outages can also occur.

“We know this can be difficult to plan for and some will find it inconvenient,” said Mr Crisp.

“As a result of the predicted conditions, some schools and early childhood centres will be closed in some weather districts and community services may not be available.

“Your plans need to suit your circumstances, however going to your nearest regional city centre, going to the movies, the pool, or a shopping centre are some options people can consider.”

This is the first time Emergency Management Victoria has issued a Code Red warning, since arrangements changed giving the commissioner the power to do so. Previously, such warnings came from the weather bureau.

Under the new six-stage warning system, bushfire-prone areas are encouraged to leave early rather than stay and defend their priorities after the 2010 Bushfire Royal Commission recommended the state revise its bushfire safety policy to enhance the role of warnings.