Tasmania’s fire permit period will officially end at 2am on Thursday after a challenging bushfire season that destroyed 21 properties across the state.
The Tasmania Fire Service made the call following a review of conditions including soil dryness and drought factors.
Deputy Chief Matt Lowe said the state experienced significant fires at Dolphin Sands and Stieglitz in late 2025, with several properties and vehicles also damaged.
“A cool spring, followed by a mild summer with minimal rainfall has meant that there was significant fuel in the landscape which we have been monitoring throughout the season,” he said.
The permit period, which began on December 16, required landowners to seek approval before conducting burns.
While permits are no longer mandatory, Lowe urged landowners to register burns in advance by calling 1800 000 699.
“By calling us and registering your burn, you will ensure your local brigade are aware of your plans should they need to respond,” he said.
“Anyone conducting a burn needs to be capable of managing the fire, and aware of weather conditions to reduce the impact of smoke.”
The timing coincides with Tasmania’s wine harvest, which has been delayed by unusual weather conditions.
Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies said harvest activity and fuel reduction fires would overlap more than any other season in recent times.
“Some growers have commenced harvesting their first wine grapes some 3-4 weeks later than normal, while some growers haven’t even commenced harvesting yet,” she said.
Davies asked people planning burns to contact nearby vineyards first to discuss timing and potential risks.
“Sometimes a short postponement may be all that’s needed to avoid potential damage,” she said.
The fire service reminded landowners they remain responsible for any damage from escaped fires.
Key safety requirements include having an adult attend burns until fully extinguished and ensuring suitable firefighting equipment is available.
Local council bylaws and environmental smoke emission laws still apply to private property burns.
