Victoria's FireReady app has become Australia's most popular free app as residents turn to the state's digital warning system for the latest bushfire information.
Nearly half a million Victorians have downloaded the new FireReady app since its launch on December 16 last year, propelling it to top spot in iTunes Australia's free app store.
The app was downloaded more than 85,000 times on Sunday amid Victoria's worst bushfires since Black Saturday in 2009.
Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the app has been downloaded 497,183 times so far this bushfire season.
"As our state faced the worst fire conditions in five years, the new FireReady app sent nine million fire notifications direct to mobile devices on Sunday," Mr Lapsley said.
The state's new VicEmergency website also experienced a spike in traffic, receiving nearly 900,000 hits over the weekend and more than 100,000 hits between 2pm and 3pm on Sunday.
"The VicEmergency website successfully met the increase in demand, with usage peaking at 12,000 new visits to the site every minute," Mr Lapsley said.
The state government spent $3 million to develop, test and release the app and VicEmergency website.
Mr Lapsley said Victorians shouldn't rely solely on digital notifications to receive fire information.
"We know Victorians have a high demand for digital warnings, but don't wait for a warning to be sent to your phone - it's your responsibility to know your local conditions and be informed."
