Victoria Declares Total Fire Ban While Campaign Money Sizzles Nearby

Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on Unsplash

KEY POINTS

•On February 17, Victoria declared a total fire ban across multiple districts including central and south Gippsland due to hot and dry weather.
•The state's fire management officials warned that dry fuels and low humidity create conditions where fires could easily ignite and spread.
•An Independent politician received a $60,000 campaign donation from the Climate 200-linked Regional Voices fund amid these heightened fire risks.

In a stunning display of Australian coordination, Victoria has slapped a total fire ban across Central, North Central, South West, West, South Gippsland, and Wimmera fire districts on February 17, thanks to forecasted hot, dry conditions and friendly sparks waiting to explode. Meanwhile, Independent politicians celebrated a $60,000 campaign donation from Climate 200-linked Regional Voices fund, proving that while fires might be banned on the ground, cash flames still roar in election season. Authorities warned dryness and low humidity create easy ignition, particularly pre-gusty winds or thunder. It’s like declaring a no-drama zone while handing out popcorn—because hey, someone has to watch the show.