Extreme Fire Danger Warning Issued for Multiple Victoria Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Fire Weather Warning (IDV22000) for several regions in Victoria. An Extreme Fire Danger rating has been forecast for Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to the following fire weather districts:

• Central
• North Central
• South West
• West and South Gippsland
• Wimmera

What You Should Do

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) advises residents in the affected districts to action their Bushfire Survival Plan immediately. Residents should monitor the fire and weather situation through ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV. Updates are also available at www.emergency.vic.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au. In the event of an emergency, call 000 (Triple Zero).

Expected Conditions

A hot day is expected with fresh north to northwest winds, which will drive the Extreme fire danger levels. A gusty west to southwest wind change is forecast to reach western districts in the early afternoon and central districts by early evening. There is an additional risk of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds occurring on and behind the wind change.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 5:25 am EDT on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The Extreme Fire Danger conditions are forecast for the remainder of Tuesday. The situation will continue to be monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology, and further warnings will be issued if necessary.