Ballarat City Fire Brigade again used the Friendly Rescue Extrication Dummy to train its members in high-angle rescues atop tall structures yesterday.

The training comes as Ballarat braces for a run of hot weather, with residents urged to make sure they are prepared for bushfires.

A Total Fire Ban is in place for Ballarat and the central district today, with temperatures expected to hit 33 degrees.

A top of 32 degrees is predicted for Thursday and 29 degrees for Friday.

Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the peak of the fire season had only just begun in Victoria.

“Traditionally, we know that February is a bad month for fires,” he said.

“The forecast for the coming days is for hot, dry weather with the Fire Danger Ratings either Severe or Very High. In these types of conditions, if a fire starts, and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable.”

Mr Lapsley said extremely dry conditions in January, with only 1.8mm of rain recorded in Ballarat, had contributed to the fire risk.

Ballarat City Fire Brigade Station Officer Scott Gambino said local firefighters were working hard to stay sharp.

“At this time of year, we’re pretty busy with bush and grass fires but there’s still these areas where we need to maintain our skills,” he said of this week’s training drill.

Last week, firefighters jumped off the roof of Central Square car park to rescue Fred in another rescue simulation.

jordan.oliver@fairfaxmedia.com.au