Avenel, Upton Hill, Locksley, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Caveat evacuated as Longwood blaze spreads; Hume Freeway closed between Seymour and Violet Town; Wind and heatwave temperatures to bring catastrophic risk to large parts of state on Friday

Tomorrow is shaping up to be the most dangerous fire day we’ve seen in years.

For those of us who live in fire-prone areas, including my family, fire is no longer a distant threat.

It’s something we think about every summer. This is something we prepare for and plan our lives around.

We hear alerts and messages so often that it all starts to blur. I don’t want that to happen tonight.

That’s why I want to say this clearly. The circumstances now coming together are extremely serious. If the predictions are correct, tomorrow will be a disaster.

There is a perfect storm building across our state. These fires can create their own weather. Lightning starts new fires. Strong winds are pushing existing fires closer to communities.

Today emergency services met with the public in Seymour, Walwa and Bullioh. Their message was clear. This fire will be very strong by tomorrow.

This means there will come a point where tornadoes will no longer work. When the plane can’t fly. No matter how brave or prepared you think you are, help may not be able to reach you.

Victoria is rugged country. When fire passes through it, it does so very quickly, hard and without warning.

If you are in an at-risk community tonight and have been told to leave, please do so. Don’t wait. Don’t second guess it. Go somewhere safe.

If you have family or friends who plan to stay and defend, please talk to them. Encourage them to think carefully. Courage doesn’t stop a firestorm.

There are places ready for you. Places where you, your animals and your pets can be safe. Where there’s a bed, a meal, and people looking out for you.

Hundreds of firefighters were already there this week under extremely challenging conditions.

They will still be out there tonight, fighting fires and preparing for what tomorrow may bring.

We are deeply grateful for the work they do to protect lives and communities.

The last thing we want is for the crew to be put in further danger or for families to fear the worst.

Today there has already been a heavy impact on communities across our state.

Please heed the warnings. Please stay safe.