CFA Media Contact: 5330 3124
DSE Media Contact: 9412 4777
Joint Media statement
From the State Control Centre
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
TWO DISTRICTS ON WATCH FOR CODE RED CONDITIONS
Residents and visitors to the Mallee and Northern Country are being warned that Code Red conditions
may occur this Friday, fire services announced today.
State Controller Russell Rees said weather conditions across the state were being closely monitored as
Bureau of Meteorology forecasting indicated conditions could also reach Extreme in the North East
district.
He said: “Given today’s bureau forecasts for Friday are for Code Red conditions in the Mallee and the
Northern Country, we are advising people in these two districts to prepare early.
“Communities and visitors in the Mallee and Northern Country need to be alert. People living in bushfire
prone areas need to activate their fire plan and monitor the district Fire Danger Ratings and daily
weather forecasts on the CFA website and in the media.
“If you live in a high risk area and your plan is to leave, the safest option is to leave the night before or
early in the day on a day when the Fire Danger Rating is Code Red in your district. On a Code Red day
you can’t rely on being able to defend your home.
“Fires can spread quickly when winds are strong and you need to know in advance what you are going
to do if faced with a fire. It is too late to decide when you see smoke or flames.
“People in the North East and North Central also need to be alert ahead of forecast extreme conditions
on Friday.
“It’s important to remember that extreme is a very serious Fire Danger Rating as well. The safest option
is to leave early in the day on a day when the Fire Danger Rating is severe or extreme in your district.”
Tomorrow’s forecast has been downgraded from Extreme to Severe for the Wimmera and the Mallee. A
total fire ban has been declared for the North West for tomorrow.
“Forecasts are based on the best available information at the time,” Mr Rees said. “Weather conditions
can change over time – that’s why it’s vital that people in bushfire prone areas continually monitor
weather conditions, listen to the radio, keep up to date with the latest forecasts and advice, and keep
themselves informed.”
DSE Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller said that people planning to travel in bushfire prone areas are
reminded that the bush is not a safe place to be.
“Parks and forests in districts with a Fire Danger Rating of Code Red will be closed in the interest of
public safety,” Mr Waller said.
CFA Media Contact: 5330 3124
DSE Media Contact: 9412 4777
“Those who are already in a park or forest area are advised the safest option is to leave the night before
or early in the morning, and spend the day in a cool place such as the local library, swimming pool,
cinema or shopping centre.
“On days of extreme Fire Danger, people are urged to leave early in the morning,” Mr Waller said.
Victorians should monitor the weather and conditions with updated bushfire information available from
the DSE and CFA websites, the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (1800 240 667), your emergency
broadcasters ABC radio, SKY news TV and commercial radio stations.
NEWS 
