Caitie and Charlie hit the waves at Torquay Beach. Source: News Limited
VICTORIANS have sizzled as temperatures soared into the high 30s across large parts of the state.
In Melbourne the mercury reached 36C at about 4pm before a cool change moved in and the temperature dropped 12 degrees to 24C within half an hour.
Firefighters are being kept busy battling more than 40 blazes including one fire at Flowerdale which was believed to be caused by machinery and is being investigated by police.
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They were put on red-alert with the severe fire danger rating in place in seven fire districts.
Crowds have flocked to Torquay Beach.
Ground and air crews battled a large grass blaze at Tatyoon, south of Ararat where a 'Watch and Act' alert was issued.
Victorian Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said firefighters had responded to a number of fires which had been sparked by machinery and said Victorians should have known better.
"People need to understand the smallest of sparks from any equipment could start a fire that has devastation across Victoria," he said.
"Total fire bans ban the use of wielding, grinding and cutting equipment…it is there for a reason so people need to take heed and be very mature and responsible in their reaction."
As the mercury rose, Victorians sought shelter at beaches across the state with lifeguards at Torquay beach reporting more than 4000 people trying to cool down in the water.
Friends hit the water at Port Melbourne beach. L-R: Emma Dubbeld and Bronte Grose, 17 and Jackson Young and Joel Fowler, 17.
Three of Victoria's parks, including the Serendip Wetlands Education Facility and sections of the Plenty Gorge and Warrandyte State Parks, were closed to picnic-goers willing to brave the heat amid fear of fire, however all will reopen on Sunday.
Despite the heat, Metro didn't change trains to a heat timetable, with most services running on time.
Melbourne is expected to reach a top of 20C on Sunday and revellers will have something more to celebrate on New Year's Eve with the weather bureau predicting a sunny 27C.
But it is expected to be a warm start to 2014 with Wednesday and Thursday posing "significant fire weather".
"New Year's Day on Wednesday is the next predicted day where we will see significant heat, dry and windy conditions move back into Victoria," Mr Lapsley said.
Mia, 12, Livvie, 12, and Layla, 8, head to the pool in Melbourne's scorching weather.
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