Total fire ban issued with temperatures set to reach 38C

A child was trapped in a locked car on Friday morning as temperatures soared across the region.

Natalie Warren celebrated her birthday with friend Adrienne Christodoulu at the Geelong waterfront. A heatwave warning has been issued for the region with temperatures set to heat up over the coming days. Picture: Alan Barber

A child was trapped in a car in Barwon Heads on Friday morning as temperatures soared into the high 30s across the region.

A CFA spokeswoman said emergency services were called in Flinders Parade in Barwon Heads about 10.30am after reports a child was locked in a car.

The child was rescued from the vehicle about 10.45am.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said paramedics were also called to the scene, however no emergency treatment or transport was needed.

It comes as a total fire ban was declared for the region on Friday with Geelong and the Surf set to sizzle in scorching temperatures.

Meteorologist Helen Reid said the mercury was expected to reach 38C in Geelong, with temperature likely to remain in the mid-30s along the Surf Coast.

“Usually the coast gets a bit tempered by the sea breezes, but Torquay is looking at a top of 35C,” she said.

V/Line trains on the Geelong line will run to an extreme heat timetable on Friday.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said a total fire ban had been issued for central and north-central Victoria.

“Conditions could make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start; therefore, we are asking people to take heed of the total fire ban conditions,” Mr Heffernan said.

“People need to be aware of the increased fire danger and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”

After the mercury hit 35C on Thursday, residents sweltered through a warm night with temperatures remaining in the mid to low 20s across the region.

Ms Reid said the cool change was expected in the middle of the afternoon.

“We are looking at a fairly significant drop (in temperature) about mid-afternoon,” she said.

“We won’t have to swelter through the evening ... by dinner time you can sit outside and enjoy the cooler breeze.”

Ms Reid said temperatures would remain comfortable on Saturday, before the region heats up again on Sunday.

EARLIER

Geelong residents could swelter through one of the hottest days of the year on Thursday, with lifesavers urging those heading to the coast to remain vigilant by the water.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a “low intensity” heatwave warning on Tuesday, warning of extreme conditions across Victoria.

V/Line trains on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Seymour lines will run to an extreme heat timetable on Thursday.

The bureau’s senior forecaster Christie Johnson said the mercury was expected to hit 31C on Wednesday, 36C on Thursday and 32C on Friday.

“Wednesday is going to be quite hot in Geelong and little bit cooler along to Surf Coast with a bit of a sea breeze,” she said.

“(Wednesday night) will be quite warm with temperatures in the mid to high teens ... and a little bit humid.”

Ballarat dad Cameron introduces four-week-old Saxon to the sea for the first time. Picture: Alan Barber

She said northerly winds were expected to be stronger on Thursday, with the region less likely to get relief through a sea breeze.

“Thursday night is expected to be even warmer, with an overnight temperature of 21C ... it might even be a little warmer,” she said.

Ms Johnson said the cool change was expected to roll in sometime on Friday.

Lifesaving Victoria western region manager Paul Lunny urged residents to keep safety “front of mind” when heading down to the coast.

“Swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location where lifesavers and lifeguards can keep an eye on you,” Mr Lunny said.

“If you do get into trouble, stay calm, float on your back and raise an arm to signal to lifesavers that you require assistance.”

Since January 1, lifesavers and lifeguards have performed 56 rescues in the Geelong region and 65 on the Surf Coast.

Originally published as Total fire ban issued with temperatures set to reach 38C