The risk of wildfires in Tasmania is set to be dangerously high this weekend, with authorities warning residents to take precautions and prepare.
The Tasmania Fire Service are warning of a high fire danger for the next several days as hot temperatures and strong winds are forecast.
Deputy Chief Officer Bruce Byatt says several recent fires have been ignited by machinery used to slash roadside vergers and paddocks, causing fires that could easily spread rapidly.
Byatt also highlighted the danger of lightning in some areas of the state which may start fires in the coming days.
“TFS has initiated a hot day response over the weekend, this will double the brigade response to any fires that occur and in addition to this we have placed a hold on issuing any fire permits for the foreseeable future.”
“We will also have aircraft and incident management teams on standby to deal with any new fires that start.”
He urged residents to put out any fires that have been lit in recent days or weeks and advises anyone who comes across a fire to report it immediately by calling 000.
