THE Tasmania Fire Service is urging Tasmanians to prepare their properties ahead of forecast high temperatures over the coming days. “We’re expecting high temperatures across the state for the next few days which can increase the risk of fires becoming uncontrollable,” southern region chief Jeremy Smith said.
There is also the likelihood of lightning in some areas of the state over the coming days which may start fires. “In anticipation, TFS has initiated a hot day response, doubling the brigade response to any fires that occur. Fire permits have also been put on hold for the foreseeable future,” Mr Smith said.
“TFS are currently working on vegetation fires at Beulah Rd, Beulah, and Patons Rd, Mersey Forest, and will continue to monitor the situation on the fireground throughout the high temperature period. We will have aircraft and incident management teams on standby throughout the hot weather period to deal with any new fires that start.”
“TFS continues to work with our fire agency partners, Parks and Wildlife and Sustainable Timber Tasmania to ensure we respond with the closest agency resource to any reported fire, regardless of land tenure. These measures are routine for hot weather and high fire danger periods, but we also ask community members to take responsibility for keeping themselves and their neighbours safe.”
Mr Smith said it was important for Tasmanians to ensure that any fires that have been lit in recent days and weeks were extinguished prior to the weather heating up to ensure they don’t flare up and escape. We are also asking community members to limit the possibility of fires starting by familiarising themselves with information about operating machinery and equipment around dry vegetation and in hot conditions.”
“Operating such equipment under the forecast weather conditions can cause fires that could spread quickly. Specific information about operating machinery in or near dry vegetation, as well as bushfire preparedness is available on the TFS website.”
Anyone who sees a fire burning should report it to Triple Zero (000). For all TFS bushfire warnings and alerts visit TasALERT.com
