A TOTAL fire ban was declared in the Mallee on Monday due to hot and dry conditions.

It was the first for the season, with winds of up to 20km/h recorded before a gusty south-westerly change in the early afternoon.

"The fire season is well upon us now with the recent heatwaves which have dried out parts of the state – particularly in the west and north west of the state," CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.

"(Monday's) conditions could make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start; therefore, we are asking people to take heed of the Total Fire Ban conditions.

"People need to be aware of the increased fire danger and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies."

A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.

It's been a hot start to 2023 in Swan Hill, with the mercury climbing to 39.7 degrees on January 1 after a warm end to 2022.