Victorian bushfire season heats up

Emergency services are preparing for the worst as a long, hot fire season looms for Victoria.

Total fire bans have been declared for the Mallee and Wimmera district, with dangerous conditions expected to peak later today.

Fire crews have recently battled a number of fires that burned close to towns.

Emergency Management commissioner Craig Lapsley says dry conditions in some parts of the state are reminiscent of the deadly 2009 season.

"We're all in for a long, dry and hot summer and as fire and emergency services are already responding to incidents, we're urging all Victorians to plan and prepare now," he said.

Country Fire Authority chief officer Euan Ferguson said the Otways, Dandenong Ranges, Warburton Ranges, northwest Victoria and Melbourne's urban fringe were at-risk areas, but anyone close to dense forest, grassland or coast should be prepared.

Tomorrow is the first day of summer.