The latest update on fires and extreme weather in Victoria from: - Premier Jacinta Allan - Minister for Emergency Services Vicky Ward - Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch - CFA (Country Fire Authority) Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and - Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman | VicEmergency

CFA crews are assisting Forest Fire Management Victoria with a fire in the Meredith State Forest on Slate Quarry Rd this evening (12 December). Twenty CFA trucks are helping to extinguish the grass and scrub fire, with further assistance from firefighting aircraft. The fire is not yet under control and is travelling east towards Sheoaks and Maude. There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions. There is a current ADVICE message here:

Fire Danger Period has begun — are you ready? The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced that the Fire Danger Period on Monday 17 November for Bass Coast. It is important, now more than ever, that you are maintaining your lawns and gardens. 🌿🌾🚜 If you spot a property — private or public — that looks like a potential fire risk, you can report it online and our team will follow it up. Council is also preparing for the season, with extra mowing across the shire, and Authorised Officers asses

CHEMICAL FIRE - DERRIMUT Crews from Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority are responding to a structure fire at a factory on East Derrimut Crescent in Derrimut. Firefighters are alerted by a Triple Zero (000) call at 10:13am on 9 January reporting a chemical fire. On arrival, crews find thick black smoke issuing from the building. Around 20 appliances attend the scene as firefighters work to bring the fire under control. Smoke is billowing for kilometres across Melbourne’s western

Tomorrow has been declared a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating for South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central. Leaving early tonight or first thing tomorrow is the safest option to protect yourself and your family. For your survival, do not be in bushfire risk areas. Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire. cfa.vic.gov.au/leaveearly | CFA (Country Fire Authority)