Fire danger is forecast to climb to high on Tasmania’s east coast and in the Midlands this weekend, as authorities warn the state’s dry east is heading into a risky bushfire season.
Bureau of Meteorology forecasts show both districts moving from moderate on Thursday to high on Sunday.
Most of the rest of the state is forecast to stay in the moderate range through the weekend.
At high fire danger, people are told to be ready to act and to avoid activities that could start a fire.
The Parks and Wildlife Service will bring in campfire bans around the state.
The service said 47 campfires were found unattended and still burning last season.
Its fire operations manager, Richard Dakin, said spring winds made campfires a real danger.
“With spring often bringing strong and unpredictable winds, we’re reminding campers to remain vigilant and never leave a campfire unattended,” Dakin said.
“Fires must not be lit on roadsides, beaches or in campgrounds where fire ban signs are in place.”
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is fuel-stove only all year round.
So far this spring, the service has carried out 17 fuel reduction burns in parks and reserves.
Parks minister Nick Duigan said visitors should check forecasts and park alerts before heading out.
He said they should also be ready for closures on days of very high fire danger.
“Tasmania is already experiencing very dry conditions across much of the east and forecasts indicate a warmer summer ahead,” Duigan said.
“The safety of visitors, communities and emergency responders is the top priority.”
Duigan rejected suggestions that government cuts had left fire agencies short of staff.
He said taking firefighters off the line was not one of the savings being sought.
Tasmania Fire Service director of community fire safety Chris Collins said people should not wait for summer to prepare their homes.
“We’re urging Tasmanians to act now, not wait until it’s too late,” Collins said.
He said residents should clear gutters, tidy yards, remove flammable material and create a defendable space around their homes.
The fire service said a recent fire at Seven Mile Beach was caused by burning material left over from an earlier registered burn-off.
Permits will be required for burning once the fire permit period begins.
People can get alerts and warnings through the TasALERT website and app.
