3 February 2019
Today (Sunday 3 February) is a day of elevated fire danger, with a hot, dry, windy conditions and temperatures forecast to be in the 40s in some parts of the state.
A statewide Total Fire Ban is in place which means no fires can be lit in the open, anywhere today. All camp fires, solid fuel barbecues are also banned.
Across Victoria, ground crews and 69 aircraft are in place to support fire operations today.
On Saturday firefighters responded to 177 incidents, including 55 grass, scrub and bushfires. Across four major fires yesterday at Hepburn, Grantville, Walhalla and Thomson Catchment Complex emergency services committed 860 firefighters, 339 trucks, 23 aircraft and 57 bulldozers.
Today, thousands of marchers are expected to take part in the Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda. With the hot weather forecast, everyone taking part should take care to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
It is also smoky in Melbourne and parts Gippsland and the north east as the result of a number of active fires burning. Remain vigilant and informed of local conditions, but only call Triple Zero if you can see flames or need assistance.
Victorians can get emergency information from a number of sources including the VicEmergency app, www.emergency.vic.gov.au (External link), tuning in to ABC radio or other emergency broadcasters including commercial and community radio stations or Sky TV, or by phoning the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 and following VicEmergency on Facebook and Twitter.
Picture: Grantville fire
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.