Gisborne residents are being urged to check and confirm their bushfire plans ahead of a forecasted scorcher on Thursday. Severe fire danger conditions, the third highest rating, are being predicted for Gisborne on Thursday.

“We’re certainly preparing for a potentially bad day on Thursday,” Gisborne CFA Captain Sam Strang said on Monday. Residents are asked to remain vigilant for any fire activity, and report any sighting of fire to 000. Macedon Ranges is currently in a Fire Danger Period, and the Fire Danger Period means fires cannot be lit in the open air at any time without a written permit from CFA or from a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. More information is available at http://news.cfa.vic.gov.au/news-in-brief/item/301-restrictions-in-macedon-ranges-shire.html

Acting Victorian chief health officer Michael Ackland has issued a heat health alert for the day, reminding people at risk to take precautions. On days of high heat risk, Hot Day out centres are set up in Macedon Ranges to provide a cool environment for people at risk of heat disease. A number to call for more information about the Hot Day centres is at http://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=3843