Victoria's fire services are urging farmers to postpone harvesting activities due to the extreme fire risk in the west and north west of the state today. With the heightened fire risk today, Total Fire Bans (TFB) are in place today for the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country districts, until 11:59 pm tonight.
An Extreme Fire Danger Rating has also been forecast for the day in these three districts due to dry conditions and expected weather. 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.
Victorians, especially in the north and northwest of the state can expect hot, dry and windy conditions throughout the day that can lead to fires spreading quickly and becoming extremely dangerous. Temperatures today will reach 35-38 degrees in Mildura, Echuca, Bendigo and Horsham. Other parts of the state will experience temperatures around 30-35 degrees. From late morning into early afternoon, northwesterly winds will pass over the state at 30-50km/h with gusts up to 90km/h.
In the afternoon there will be a southerly wind change, moving from the coast across the state with the change expected to reach the Mallee around 8:00 pm. Possible thunderstorms are expected in the South West district and the southern parts of the Wimmera district between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm. This may bring dry lightning strikes. The fire danger will subside later in the night once the temperature has dropped.
With these conditions, farmers are being urged to postpone paddock work today to avoid an increased risk to property damage and crops. There has been a rise in damage to agricultural operations in recent weeks due to fires, so anyone harvesting will need to be especially careful. For tomorrow, Friday 5 December 2025, temperatures across the state will return to the 30s, with the Mallee and Northern Country districts expected to continue Extreme Fire Danger Ratings.
Victorians and visitors are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including the:
- VicEmergency app, website and social media channels
- Listen in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
- Phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Quotes attributable to State Response Controller, David Baker
“Conditions are hot, dry and windy today which will make fires difficult to supress should one start."
"We’re asking people to follow the rules of the Total Fire Ban declaration and be ready to act if you're in a fire risk area.”
“Conditions will remain warm and windy overnight and into Friday, so ensure you have a fire plan and stay informed through more than one source of information.”
-ENDS-
Media contact:
State Control Centre Media via 1300 287 289
