Vic: Total fire ban as temperatures soar

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2000
Vic: Total fire ban as temperatures soar

Victoria has been placed on a total fire ban tomorrow as high temperatures and strong
winds are forecast across the state.

People living in country areas have been warned to clear the area around their homes.

They have also been told to make a decision tonight whether to evacuate their home
early tomorrow or stay and fight any fire which may threaten their property.

The 24-hour, statewide ban from midnight follows a Country Fire Authority full alert
announced earlier today.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast temperatures of between 36 and 42 degrees Celsius
for much of Victoria with changing northerly winds of between 25 and 40 kmh.

Meanwhile, a scrub fire south of Melbourne this afternoon forced the closure of the
Nepean Highway for more than an hour.

AAP RTV jmw/clr/wz/jx

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC (MELBOURNE)

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