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About Ash Wednesday
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About Ash Wednesday
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On February 16 1983, CFA was involved in 180 fires throughout Victoria, eight of which were major fires. This day is known as Ash Wednesday
Leading up to Ash Wednesday there were also large fires in Greenvale on 8 January and at Macedon on 1 February. On 8 February there was a large dust storm, which covered large areas of Victoria.
13 CFA firefighters died during the Ash Wednesday fires. They represented Panton Hills, Narre Warren, Nar Nar Goon and Wallacedale Fire Brigades. A casual firefighter also lost his life on that day.
Below is a breakdown of the following townships affected by the Ash Wednesday Fires.
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Additional Information about Ash Wednesday
- Severe rainfall deficiencies during 1982 produced drought conditions throughout Victoria during 1983
- The ten months between April 1982 and January 1983 were at that time the driest period on record
- Mid morning was hot and a dry northerly airflow from South Australia was strengthen rapidly over Victoria
- In the afternoon a frontal system continued to intensify and ahead of the firefront the hot dry airflow continued to strengthen and become more turbulent, producing gale force winds, high temperatures, low humidity and extensive areas of raised dust and smoke
- During February 1983, the weather was extremely hot. Temperatures were particularly hot on February 1, 8 and 16 when readings were in excess of 40 degrees
- During the 1982/1983 fire season, 22 total fire ban days were declared
- CFA attended nearly 3,200 fires during that fire danger period.