THE Tasmania Fire Service says the fire danger rating for the Upper Derwent Valley and South-East is expected to reach “Extreme” on Monday due to strong north-westerly winds, low humidity and high temperatures. Severe to Very High fire dangers are predicted for most of the remainder of the state.
A maximum temperature of 40 degrees has been forecast for New Norfolk and Ouse on Monday, with an 80% chance of showers, most likely in the evening, along with evening thunderstorms with gusty winds.
“The Tasmania Fire Service would like to mitigate any new fire starts for Monday and stress the importance of the public adhering to the Total Fire Ban restrictions,” chief officer Chris Arnol said.
“The state is well-resourced at this time, and early detection with rapid weight of attack are the strategies to ensure that any fire starts before and on Monday will be suppressed quickly,” Mr Arnol said.
“People need to be aware that on days of extreme fire danger even easily defendable houses can be undefendable and bushfires are difficult to control. The TFS encourages the community to be prepared and have their bushfire survival plans ready. The TFS website has Community Protection Plans to identify nearby safer placer, take the time to be familiar with these.”
The public is asked to report any fires to Triple Zero (000) and to monitor the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au or listen to ABC Local Radio for updates.
Total Fire Ban – December 28-31: Media Release.
Tasmania Fire Service alerts and incidents: Click for updates.
Weather warnings: Click for updates.
General advice for days of Total Fire Ban: From Tasmania Fire Service
Water use during Total Fire Bans: Advice from TasWater
Road closures: Click for updates.
New Norfolk tip site: Closed due to total fire ban. Click for updates.
Mt Field National Park: Open today. Click for updates.
Railtrack Riders: Closed due to total fire ban. Click for updates.
Derwent Valley Council: Closed until January 2. Emergency phone number 6261 8500.
Local weather forecasts:
