All you need to know about Victoria’s upcoming heatwave

“In light of this, we are asking communities to plan their bushfire recovery, know where to get information, download the VicEmergency app and listen to your emergency broadcaster,” he said.

“If you don’t have any plans, the best plan for Friday is to leave early.”

CFA has already tackled a number of large fires this fire season: Hundreds of firefighters were deployed to two large grass fires at Goomalibee and Charlton on 18 December, burning more than 4,400 hectares.

PowerCor, the electricity distributor covering Victoria’s north and west, is urging customers to pre-cool their homes before the heat arrives and then keep their air conditioners at 24 degrees “to stay comfortable but not consume too much power”.