DUE to dry conditions and strong winds, the CFA has announced a total fire ban for Monday across Mallee and surrounding regions.

Winds are expected to reach 70 to 80km/h, while temperatures are forecasted to remain in the mid-40s for much of the day.

Minimal rainfall over the past few months has further exacerbated the fire risk in the region.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said that if...