Community
8 January, 2026
'If a fire starts, lives may be lost': St Arnaud prepares for catastrophic fire rating on Friday
St Arnaud CFA captain Dave Reynolds says it's extremely important to prepare and leave "well and truly early" tomorrow if you can.
RESIDENTS in St Arnaud and surrounds are being urged to have a plan in place and leave the area if you can tomorrow as CFA brigades and emergency services prepare for the worst.
VicEmergency has advised the whole state will be under a total fire ban and the northern and Wimmera regions (which includes St Arnaud) will see catastrophic fire conditions on Friday.
While it has been a warm few days, temperatures are set to sore with a top of 43 degrees with wind
St Arnaud CFA captain David Reynolds couldn't be more clear: this could get serious.
"Catastrofic conditions means that if a fire starts, lives may be lost and they can be impossible to stop," he said.
"We will follow CFA messaging that says if you can leave the area for the day, do so.
"Whatever you do, make sure a plan is in place, make sure you know what you're going to do.
"The messaging is leave early, leave well and truly early. Leave early in the morning or the day before if you can.
"If you can be out of the area, that's the idea situation. We understand that's not always possible, but whatever happens, have a plan."
The State Control Centre (SCC) provided an update on Thursday morning, saying residents may begin to see their health being affected by the hot conditions.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said conditions were likely to worsen going into Friday.
"We're going to see very hot, windy and also the risk of dry lightening across our state tomorrow," he said.
"We know that fire danger ratings mean that it will be unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast moving fires that we will see tomorrow.
"Noting that the rest of the state will also have extreme fire ratings, we're asking everyone if you live in a fire prone area, especially those that have got bushland around them, you should be leaving early.
"In fact, if you are in one of those areas where there are no fires at the moment, you should be leaving by 7am, Friday January 9."
Mr Wiebusch said the last time we saw catastrophic fire danger ratings across multiple districts was on November 21, 2019.
"We know the devastating impacts we saw in the east of our state in those 2019 fires," he said.
"So we are talking about a very significant day for Victoria tomorrow."
Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said crews were preparing for a busy day.
“Our crews have been working hard already to contain fires in the landscape, however, conditions are set to worsen. We are relying on the community to take action to protect themselves," he said.
“People currently in areas such as forests, bushlands and parks are facing significant risk on Friday. Now is not the time to be complacent with your safety – leave early.”
Sources of information include:
VicEmergency app
Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and X
Extreme heat does more than cause sunburn. It can worsen existing health conditions and, in severe cases, lead to life-threatening illnesses such as heatstroke.
"Extreme heat can become dangerous quickly" Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay said.
"A few simple actions like keeping cool, staying hydrated, planning ahead and checking in with others can prevent serious illness."
Drink water regularly on very hot days, even before you feel thirsty, especially if you’re outdoors or being active.
Look out for signs of dehydration, including thirst, lightheadedness, dry mouth, tiredness, dark, strong-smelling urine, or passing less urine than usual.
If your doctor normally advises you to limit fluids, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
Use air conditioning or a fan, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, keep your skin wet (for example, with a spray bottle or damp sponge), and take cool showers or foot baths.
Close blinds or curtains to block heat from entering your home and if you need to head out, spend time in cool places such as air-conditioned buildings.
Check the weather forecast and Bureau of Meteorology heatwave warnings regularly.
If the hottest part of the day is coming, avoid outdoor work or exercise and reschedule strenuous activities to a cooler time.
"A quick call can make a big difference" Dr McElnay said.
"Check in on older people, friends, neighbours, and anyone who might need support on hot days."
People most at risk include those over 65, pregnant women, babies and young children, people with acute or chronic health problems, people who are socially isolated, and people with limited ways to keep cool (such as without air conditioning or living in buildings that heat up easily).
For more information on preparing for and coping with extreme heat, see the Better Health Channel's extreme heat page