A code red fire warning has been issued today for the first time since the new warning system was introduced. The warning is for Wimmera, VIC where temperatures are predicted to hit 44C today.
Many residents have already evacuated while most business, childcare centres and parks will be closed.
More below from the
Herald Sun
VICTORIANS in bushfire danger zones have been told to flee their homes this morning as the state faces the worst conditions since Black Saturday.
Fire chiefs declared a "code red" catastrophic fire day for the first time as one of Victoria's Bravest died trying to protect his community from another potential disaster.
Much respected firefighter Hugh Monroe, 62, was killed and four other CFA volunteers were injured when their tanker rolled as they headed to a blaze near Benalla.
The Wimmera is on code red today - the country's highest alert - with the mercury set to hit 44C and strong northerly wind forecast.
Extreme bushfire warnings have been declared for most of the state, including Melbourne where the mercury is expected to reach 43C.
Acting Premier Rob Hulls chose the Herald Sun to plead for Victorians to get away from the danger.
"If you didn't leave last night and you are in a code red area and you have no plan or are in doubt, the best advice is to simply get out and get out as early as possible this morning," Mr Hulls said.
He said delays could cost lives.
"If people need to leave, they ought to leave as soon as possible.
"They ought do what they can to protect their loved ones."
As Victoria braced for blistering heat today:
A TOTAL fire ban was declared for the entire state.
CHILDCARE centres, education facilities and some businesses in the Wimmera will be closed.
NATIONAL parks will be shut and holiday-makers urged to leave the bush.
THE CFA has already issued a code red for the north and northeast districts for Moday.
Under code red, residents who plan to leave are advised to get out the night before or early in the morning.
An extreme bushfire warning means residents should be on high alert and constantly monitor developments.
CFA chief fire officer Russell Rees said residents in Melbourne outer-metropolitan areas should be aware of the danger.
"It's vital we give this information because we are concerned about their lives, the lives of their loved ones, and we want people to take action," Mr Rees said. "Do not wait until you see smoke or flames. Leaving as a fire approaches is extremely dangerous and could be fatal."
Mr Hulls said the lessons from Black Saturday must be heeded.
"The experience of Black Saturday shows that even the houses believed to be very defendable in high-risk bushfire-prone areas weren't defendable on a code red-type day," he said.
Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland urged residents in danger zones to leave early.
"The worst thing you can do is be on the roads when there is a fire running," he said.
Department of Sustainability and Environment chief fire officer Ewan Waller issued a warning against travelling to the bush.
"The bush is not a place you want to be - it's as simple as that," he said.
"Even travelling in the bush is something you shouldn't be doing unless you absolutely have to."