Fire Risk

Total Fire Ban extended

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been extended for the Central fire district - which includes Bass Coast - to Thursday January 8.

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Published January 06, 2026

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) originally declared for the Central fire district - which includes Bass Coast - as well as Wimmera and South West fire weather districts for Wednesday January 7 has been extended to include Thursday January 8.

Severe heatwave conditions are set to continue across Victoria, with temperatures remaining dangerously high for consecutive days.

Northern parts of the state are expected to reach 42 to 46 degrees on Thursday, while southern Victoria will see temperatures in the mid to high 30s, easing slightly later in the day with a southerly change.

Strong and gusty winds, combined with very dry fuels, will increase the risk of fast-moving fires. There is also the potential for thunderstorms, which may bring damaging winds and dry lightning, creating the risk of new fire starts.

A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the extended period of heat, combined with dry landscapes and wind, will make conditions extremely challenging.

“We’re seeing day after day of extreme heat, with little overnight relief,” Jason said.

“Tomorrow’s conditions will make it very difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start, particularly in grassland areas where fuels have cured significantly.

“With the added risk of gusty winds and possible dry lightning from thunderstorms, fires can start quickly and spread rapidly.”

“We’re asking people to strictly follow the Total Fire Ban conditions, consider postponing harvesting and cropping activities, and make sure your bushfire plan is up to date and ready to act on.

“It’s really important people take action early to protect themselves and their families. Understand how these conditions could affect you, know when you will leave, and don’t wait until it’s too late.

“Download the VicEmergency App, stay informed, and have more than one way to receive warnings.”

Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.

For more information on what you can and can't do visit the Can I or Can't I page on the CFA website.

Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information. They include: