By Jessica Micallef
Macedon Ranges residents are being urged to be fire ready as blistering temperatures are forecast to continue.
Victoria has sweltered through its hottest January on record with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees.
Kyneton CFA second lieutenant Greg McIntyre said he was grateful there had been no major bushfires in the area so far this summer, but warned residents against complacency.
“It only takes a couple of hot days and strong winds and the fuels are ready to go,” he said.
“Even though we had some rain recently, the rain will dry.”
Mr McIntyre said residents needed to prepare their properties for high fire danger days.
“Clean up around the house … trim trees if possible, keep bark off trees and keep flammable items away from the building.”
He encouraged residents to leave early if there were fires in the area.
“Be aware of your surroundings by looking outside,” he said.
“If the smoke is heading towards your home, you really need to leave.”
The scorching temperatures are far from over – according to Climate Council acting chief executive Martin Rice.
“January’s record-breaking month is part of a sharp, long-term upswing in temperatures,” Mr Rice said.
“December, 2018, was also the hottest on record and February and March are shaping up to be scorchers, too.
“This extreme heat has many implications, both for the environment and for human health.”
