Community
6 January, 2026
Emergency services' stark warning as region heats up
There are many ways to stay safe and well during this hot period. Here's what our emergency services have to say.
AS THE area sets up for a very warm few days, local emergency services are helping residents stay safe and well.
The Bureau of Meteorology has put a severe heatwave warning in place for the Mallee and Wimmera regions, with temperatures set to reach the low to mid-40s.
St Arnaud will see a top of 41 degrees on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while Charlton will record 43 degrees on all three days.
While none of the days have been declared a Total Fire Ban at this stage, a few of them will be considered EXTREME fire danger rating days.
This means potentially hot, dry and windy conditions would allow for a fire to spread very quickly.
The CFA urges people to remain vigilant and take actions now to protect your life and property:
Check your bushfire plan and that your property is fire ready
If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts.
Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas.
Leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics have said high temperatures can negatively affect medical conditions such as chronic illnesses, while also increasing the risk of serious heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
AV State Health Commander Ross Salathiel said although heat stroke is entirely preventable, it is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases.
“While people most at risk are the elderly, young children and those with medical conditions, heat and heat-related illnesses can affect anybody,” he said.
“Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the body overheats and can no longer cool itself down.
“If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms such as confusion, seizures, excessive sweating or no sweating, collapsing or loss of consciousness, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
“To reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, find a cool place to stay such as shopping centres or at home with fans and air conditioning, use sun protection such as wearing a hat and sunscreen, and avoid being outside during the hottest time of the day.”
AV is also encouraging everyone to stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency App.
For non-life-threatening situations that still require a medical response, Mr Salathiel encouraged Victorians to use available alternative care options.
“Our priority will always be responding to the sickest people and we ask Victorians to help us save ambulances for emergencies by knowing their healthcare options,” he said.
“If you need timely medical care and health advice but don’t need an emergency response, consider a free online video call with the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) or visiting your local Urgent Care Clinic,” he said.
“Other useful resources are Nurse-On-Call (1300 60 60 24) which offers free medical advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and your local GP or pharmacy.”