Tasmanians are being asked to take extra care with fire this weekend, with a high fire danger rating forecast for six districts on Saturday.
The rating covers the north-east, east coast, Midlands, upper Derwent Valley, south-east and Central Plateau districts, where warmer, dry weather and gusty westerly winds are forecast.
Tasmania Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said it was still early in the fire season, but current dry conditions increased the likelihood of fires starting and spreading quickly.
The Fire Permit Period has not yet started and there are no fire restrictions in place.
“We’re asking Tasmanians to take precautions to help reduce the bushfire risk,” Lowe said.
The Tasmania Fire Service, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania are ready to respond, he said, but “everyone has a role to play in reducing fire risk and helping keep the community safe”.
People who have had a fire on their property in recent days or weeks, including campfires, burn-offs and firepits, are being asked to make sure it is fully extinguished.
“We’re asking people to be vigilant,” Lowe said, urging them to “soak it, stir it and soak it again”.
“The best way to prepare is to review your bushfire plan, prepare your property for potential ignition, be aware of your surroundings and know what to do if a fire starts,” he said.
Last month, bushfires at Seven Mile Beach and Colebrook reached Watch and Act level, a day when a high fire danger rating had been forecast for several districts.
Anyone who sees smoke, flames or a fire that may have reignited should not assume it has already been reported, Lowe said.
“If you see something that looks like a fire, call Triple Zero (000) immediately,” he said.
Warnings and incident information are available through the TasALERT app, at TasALERT.com and on ABC Local Radio, with bushfire planning advice at bushfire.tas.gov.au.
