A total fire ban has been declared in much of Victoria’s northwest as the state braces for scorching temperatures and dry winds. The Country Fire Authority says large parts of the state face a very high to extreme fire risk on December 27 with the biggest potential danger for the northwest, where temperatures are set to peak at 41C. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan says the conditions have made a total fire ban necessary for four districts until 11.59pm on Sunday. “The Mallee, Wimmera, North Central and Northern Country will experience elevated dangerous fire conditions and as a result, we have declared a Total Fire Ban across the four districts,” Heffernan said in a statement. He said the ban imposed strict rules on the use of farm machinery, chainsaws and lawnmowers and he urged campers not to light campfires. “We would really urge people not to light one earlier in …