MEDIA STATEMENT
Monday, 25 January, 1700hrs
Public urged to stay safe during Australia Day celebrations
With temperatures forecast to rise across Victoria on Australia Day, CFA is urging the public to be aware
of the safety risks associated with bushfires, gas barbeques and illegal fireworks.
“Current Fire Danger Rating forecasts are Severe for the North East and Very High for the North Central,
Mallee and Wimmera regions’ said Russell Rees, State Controller. “These are dangerous fire conditions
and we are asking people in those areas to be on high alert and prepare their bushfire survival plan.”
“We know that many people are away from home this weekend but our message to all Victorians is: you
must keep an eye on local conditions no matter where you are.
“Keep an eye on conditions and be prepared – discuss your bushfire survival plan and be ready to put it
into action.’
There is a Total Fire Ban for the North Eastern district, which includes the townships of Seymour,
Echuca, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
CFA is also warning of the potential dangers of barbeques and illegal fireworks, including flares.
“CFA attended a number of incidents over the Christmas and New Year period where people were
seriously injured while using either barbecues or illegal fireworks,’ Mr Rees said.
A child was seriously injured when a gas cylinder exploded at a barbeque in Geelong during Christmas
celebrations, and illegal fireworks were blamed for injuries and evacuations during the same period.
“CFA is concerned that during a spell of hot dry weather incidents like these could be even more
dangerous and potentially fatal” Mr Rees said.
“Illegal fireworks can ignite fires and, as we saw only a few weeks ago, can actually cause serious
physical harm- people need to know that it’s just not worth the risk.
“We’re asking Victorians to take care and be prepared so we can all celebrate this Australia Day
together.”
The CFA encourages reporting the use of illegal fireworks to Victoria Police by dialling 000.
Further information may be obtained on the CFA website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au or by contacting the
Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
For further enquiries:
CFA media
03 5330 3124
NEWS 
