Tasmania’s fire authorities are warning locals not to be complacent about a “normal” bushfire season, saying last summer’s “normal” rating saw 116,000 hectares destroyed across the state.
The caution comes as firefighting agencies released their spring outlook on Thursday. Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said a normal season still carries significant risks.
“Normal means there is potential for one or two major fire campaigns in a season,” he said. “Bushfires will occur and we must be prepared.”
Last year’s major fires were concentrated in the north-west, burning 101,000 hectares and demanding weeks of sustained firefighting.
Another blaze at Snug Tiers, south of Hobart, consumed 500 hectares.
This year’s threat is worsened by consecutive seasons of below-average winter rainfall, leaving soil moisture levels critically low in western Tasmania.
“Spring rainfalls need to be significant to avoid widespread dryness developing across the state,” Lowe said.
Fire agencies are particularly concerned about the south-west wilderness.
Parks and Wildlife, which manages much of Tasmania’s fire-prone reserves, has boosted its capacity with more than 160 trained personnel.
“These numbers also include 20 seasonal firefighters who are recruited each year to boost numbers for the fire season and to assist with planned burn operations,” State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said.
The service has also trained 60 staff for incident management teams ahead of the coming season.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania has been carrying out fuel-reduction burns and will activate round-the-clock smoke-detection cameras from October 1.
Bureau of Meteorology forecasts suggest eastern Tasmania may receive above-average spring rainfall, but western areas are likely to stay dry.
Meteorologist Alex Melitzas said temperatures are also expected to climb.
“It’s highly likely Tasmania will experience above usual temperatures and there’s actually a high chance that the temperatures will be unusually warm,” he said.
Fire authorities are urging residents to prepare their properties now rather than waiting for warnings.
“Know your risk, develop and practice bushfire plans, clean up yards and paddocks, clear roof gutters and remove flammable waste from around the home,” Lowe said.
An independent review into last year’s north-west fires will be released on September 22, with recommendations expected to guide future preparations.
