A total fire ban has been declared for parts of Victoria's west ahead of a forecast summer scorcher.
With temperatures tipped to climb near 40C in the state's northwest, a total fire ban will come into effect for the Mallee and Wimmera fire districts on Thursday.
The fire danger rating has been accessed as severe in both regions due to the forecast heat and strong winds.
It follows a cooler and wetter than usual summer in Victoria, with a La Nina weather pattern active over southeast Australia.
"Overall we've had milder conditions," Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said in a statement on Wednesday.
"But what we're seeing this summer is these hot day or days where the fire danger spikes so it's important that we don't get complacent."
The CFA is warning grass fires remain a risk, courtesy of above-average rainfall in recent weeks and strong fuel growth.
"Grassfires are prevalent this season and can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and jump highways," Mr Heffernan said.
Thursday's total fire ban outlaws any open-air fires being lit or remaining alight in the Mallee or Wimmera from 12.01am to 11.59pm.
