CFA chief issues grave warning illegal fireworks warning

The CFA chief has shared a grave warning urging Victorians not to set off illegal fireworks for New Year’s Eve.

CFA chief officer Garry Cook says the state’s firefighters are “very much on alert” with temperatures to reach 38°C in Melbourne, and the mercury to rise above 40°C in some parts of the state.

“Whilst the winds are light the temperatures are really high, and the fuel loads out there now whilst very heavy are also getting very dry, particularly in the northern parts of the state, anywhere over the great divide and also in western Victoria,” he told Shane McInnes, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

“Things have really dried out in the last couple of weeks and the fire risk potential is really quite significant.”

While today has not been declared a total fire ban day anywhere in the state, Mr Cook urged people to be cautious.

“Please think twice about discharging fireworks illegally tonight,” he said.

People who discharge fireworks illegally and cause a fire face fines of up to $20,000 and 12 months in jail.

Press PLAY below to hear the CFA chief’s grave warning