A massive Erickson air crane will return to the Ballarat region on Thursday, ready to support firefighters on the ground after the CFA issued a severe fire danger warning.
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The relocation of the monster firefighting helicopter comes as temperatures are tipped to soar into the high 30s, placing emergency crews on high alert.
Emergency Management commissioner Craig Lapsley confirmed on Wednesday the orange air crane would be moved from Melbourne to Lethbridge.
He called on Ballarat residents to be aware of the conditions as temperatures spike.
“Much of Victoria is facing elevated fire risk over the coming days, with central and western Victoria a particular focus,” Mr Lapsley said.
“There is a significant amount of very dry fuel in the landscape now, and we need to be ready to respond early to minimise the risk of fires spreading quickly.
“One of Victoria's orange air cranes will be based at Lethbridge on Thursday and Friday to be able to respond to significant fires in central and western Victoria.”
Smaller and faster helicopters will also be based at Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh and Colac.
These aircraft will work on a pre-determined dispatch system, meaning they will be sent to fires at the same time as trucks on the ground.
Two helicopters were deployed to a fast-moving grass fire on the slopes of Mount Buninyong on Tuesday afternoon.
Federation University’s head of campus, Sam Henson, said the fire threatened livestock on his property before it was brought under control about 3.45pm.
"The fire had the potential to get bigger and it was travelling quite fast through the grass," he said.
"But then a helicopter zipped straight across from Ballarat airport and put it out quickly with the help of fire trucks, it was impressive.”
CFA district 15 duty officer Chris Bigham said temperatures would stay hot for several days across the Ballarat region, unlike the extreme heat on January 6.
“People need to stay hydrated as well as be prepared fire-wise,” he said.
“We would ask people to be vigilant and aware of what they’re doing in the landscape. If you don’t need to be out in long grass and using machinery, then please don’t.”
A total fire ban will be enforced in Ballarat on Friday.
