A lightning strike sparked a bushfire in one of Tasmania’s national parks today, as firefighters warn of worsening conditions across the state this weekend.
The fire broke out at Marions Lookout in Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park just before 10am on Friday.
After members of the public reported seeing smoke, Parks and Wildlife crews from Cradle Mountain reached the scene within an hour.
Supported by firefighting aircraft, the blaze was extinguished shortly after.
“We’d like to remind everyone to stay vigilant with lightning strikes occurring across the state today and a spike in fire weather tomorrow,” PWS said.
The fire comes as the Tasmania Fire Service declared a total fire ban for the state’s south and the Furneaux Islands from 2am Saturday until 2am Sunday.
A statewide suspension on fire permits is already in place and will remain in effect until 2am Monday.
TFS deputy chief of operations Matt Lowe said the restrictions were necessary due to forecast conditions.
“These are important steps we are taking to try and minimise the fire risks to our communities,” he said.
“Any fire permits already issued for fires during this period are cancelled, as conditions will be unsafe for burning.”
Strike teams from the Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife and Sustainable Timber Tasmania will be positioned at key locations across the state this weekend.
Aerial firefighting resources, including firebombing aircraft and helicopters, will also be on standby in case any fires ignite.
Lowe urged Tasmanians to report any smoke or fires immediately to Triple Zero (000).
“With the conditions that are forecast, we need everyone to play a part in reducing fire risk and to continue to be as prepared as possible,” he said.
