General News
23 January, 2026
Total fire ban Saturday, five days of temperatures in 40s
A total fire ban has been declared for tomorrow, Saturday, for all parts of Victoria as Loddon forecasts are for five days of temperatures in the 40s
Saturday's Flavours of Loddon event in Boort has been postponed and the Upper Loddon Cricket Association Loddon Herald T20 Cup grand final abandonded.
Sunday's Wedderburn Harness Racing Cup meeting will proceed after Harness Racing Victoria considered the forecast and received advice from its veterinarians.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB for the whole state has been declared due to the major fires still in the landscape and the potential for new fires to start and spread quickly in forecast conditions.
“We understand it is a long weekend, and many Victorians will be enjoying the great outdoors, but we will be declaring several Total Fire Bans over the course of this heatwave event and with that comes shared responsibility,” he said.
“With fires already in the landscape, communities hurting and healing, and emergency services still on the fireground, we’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Bans.
“Over the next couple of days, have your bushfire plan ready to go, and have a conversation with your family so you all know what you are going to do in the event of a fire."
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for Saturday 24, Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January 2026 for the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North East and East Gippsland Districts. In addition, the Chief Health Officer advises it is likely that the heatwave conditions will continue beyond these dates and into next week. Please monitor your local weather conditions and take action, including activating your heat-related plans as necessary.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Heatwave Warning for one or more weather districts in Victoria.
Extreme heat can affect anyone. Those more at risk include:
those over the age of 65
young children and babies
pregnant women
people with acute or chronic health problems
people who are socially isolated
those with limited ways to keep cool.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
Stay cool. Use air conditioning and/or a fan. Wear light and loose clothing. Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge and by taking cool showers. If you can’t keep cool at home, think about where you can go on hot days to cool down such as public pools or air-conditioned buildings.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity.
Check in with family, friends and neighbours. Let people know you are OK and check in with those at increased risk or who may need your support. Look out for those who might be more affected by extreme heat, like the those over the age of 65 years, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems, those who are socially isolated or those with limited ways to keep cool.
Plan ahead. Watch the weather forecast in your area and plan activities at cooler times of day.
Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults, or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
If needed, call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or contact Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at https://www.vved.org.au/.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000