Fire permit period begins early across Tasmania

Tasmania’s fire season mitigation has started early as dry and often windy conditions prevail in the leadup to summer.

A statewide Fire Permit Period began today.

Tasmania Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said fire permits will be required if people wish to conduct burns to reduce fire hazards larger than one cubic meter in size on their property. 

"Based on current environmental factors, and following consultation with relevant stakeholders, the early adoption of the Fire Permit Period is a preparedness and mitigation measure designed to prevent bushfires and protect communities," Mr Lowe said. 

“By starting the Fire Permit Period now, we are implementing measures to allow Tasmania Fire Service and partnering fire agencies – Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania – to manage fires in the landscape.

“The Soil Dryness Index, rainfall deficiency mapping, weather outlooks, and grassland fuel condition data, all indicate a statewide drying trend, which further supports this decision.”

The Fire Permit Period follows NRE’s ban on campfires last Monday in national parks and reserves in most municipalities: Break O'Day, Brighton, Central Highlands, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Dorset, Flinders, George Town, Glamorgan-Spring Bay (including Maria Island), Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley, Kingborough (including Bruny Island), Latrobe, Launceston, Northern Midlands, Sorell, Southern Midlands, Tasman and West Tamar. 

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) acting state fire manager Robyn Allchin said seasonal campfire bans were an important preventative measure as bushfire risk increased. 

“With warmer than average conditions forecast in the months ahead, introducing these bans now is a sensible precaution to help reduce bushfire risk before the peak fire season. 

“We encourage visitors to check the PWS website before travelling to see what campfire rules apply in the area they are visiting.”

The bans apply to campfires, pot fires and other solid fuel stoves. Gas stoves and gas barbecues are permitted.