Warning of elevated fire danger across the state

Landowners are being urged to take extra caution against bushfire risks this weekend, with elevated fire dangers forecast across much of the state on Sunday.

A high fire danger rating has been forecast for King Island, the Furneaux Islands, North East, East Coast, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley, South East and Western districts.

While the Fire Permit Period has not yet started - and there are currently no fire restrictions in place – Tasmania Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe is calling on the community to take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of a fire outbreak.

This includes discouraging registered burns, due to the forecast high fire danger.

“While we are early into the spring bushfire season, we have identified elevated bushfire risks in drier areas of the state, particularly the Furneaux Group and along the East Coast and Midlands,” he said.

“Strong winds and dry conditions mean fires can start easily and spread quickly.

“We are urging people to use caution with fire this weekend and for those people that do have registered burns in place, the TFS is strongly discouraging people from continuing with those activities.

“Also, people should check any fires that have been lit in recent days or weeks, such as campfires, burn-offs, and firepits. Make sure they are fully extinguished and the best practice is to soak it, stir it, and soak it again.”

Tasmania Fire Service and its partner firefighting agencies Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania will have extra firefighting personnel and equipment, including firefighting aircraft, on standby across the weekend.

Tasmania Fire Service is also encouraging people to take the time now to review their bushfire survival plans.

"Take a few moments to think about what you would do if a fire started near your home, workplace or while travelling. Having a plan and knowing when you'll leave can make all the difference,” Deputy Chief Officer Lowe said.

“Forecast drier and warmer conditions in spring will further increase the bushfire risk as we approach summer.

“Know your risk, develop and practice bushfire plans, clean up yards and paddocks, clear roof gutters and remove flammable waste from around the home.”

Deputy Chief Officer Lowe said anyone who sees smoke, flames, or a fire that may have reignited should not assume it has already been reported.

"If you see something that looks like a fire, call Triple Zero (000) immediately,” he said.

Meanwhile farmers around the state say they would be in serious trouble with pasture and crops if it wasn’t for irrigation.

Those who don’t have irrigation are experiencing low water levels in dams and are hoping for some rain within the next week or two.

Cluden Newry Angus stud owner Jock Huges, near Longford in the Northern Midlands, said pasture growth has been slow when it’s usually getting away from him at this time of year.

“While the weather has been great for getting crops in the ground we really need some rain soon otherwise the growth we need just won’t be there.”

• The community is encouraged to stay informed by monitoring warnings and incident information through the TasALERT app, at TasALERT.com, or by listening to ABC Local Radio.

• Preparedness information and advice on how to get ready for bushfire season is available at bushfire.tas.gov.au

• More information about preparing your property can be found at www.fire.tas.gov.au