According to Bureau of Meteorology forecasters, it is possible there will be severe and extreme fire danger ratings issued for the north-west of the state on Monday, which is expected to spike to a top of 39C in Echuca-Moama.
“While it has been downgraded to a low-intensity heatwave, it is still going to be very hot,” duty forecaster Miriam Bradbury said.
“It’s the first significant burst of hot weather we’ve had this summer.”
Maximum temperatures for the rest of the week are not forecast to drop below 32C and the overnight minimum of 21C on Monday-Tuesday will be uncomfortable, according to Ms Bradbury.
Keeping our fire crews on high alert.
“We’ve got a hot week and month coming up so there’s no time to be complacent,” Echuca Fire Brigade captain Rob Amos said.
Mr Amos said while the fire season hadn’t been as bad as anticipated, it was not over.
“We are only half-way through summer,” he said.
“Over the next couple of months, people need to remain vigilant and observe the rules.”
That includes the risks of campfires, which Mr Amos said was a big concern.
Forest Fire Management Victoria responded to eight unattended campfires over the Christmas-New Year period around the Echuca and Cohuna areas.
Senior Forest Fire Management emergency preparedness officer Jeff Wilkie said it appeared all unattended campfires were detected when campers had departed for home.
“People need to make sure campfires are fully extinguished with water and cool to touch before leaving the campsite,” he said.
“Most people are doing the right thing, but we need everyone to follow campfire safety rules and understand the consequences of their actions can have a serious impact on life, property, the environment and native wildlife.”
Mr Amos urged people to look on the CFA website to understand the rules around campfires.
“It doesn’t take much for a fire to spread, so take the time to put out a campfire correctly and know when you can and can’t have one,” he said.
“It’s a big concern when campers just leave their fires going when they’re not around, and especially during the hot weather.”The heatwave is also going to affect Echuca train services on Monday.
With temperatures forecast to reach the low 40s, a full extreme heat timetable will be in place for V/Line train services.
Passengers are asked to check the V/Line website before travelling to confirm how their services are affected.
A copy of the extreme heat timetable can be downloaded from the V/Line website or passengers can ask for a copy from their nearest staffed station.
Passengers are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys.
There will be drinking water on board trains and passengers are also encouraged to travel with bottled water and wear cool clothing.
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