Sustainable Timber Tasmania has kicked off its bushfire preparedness work with the first of two Fire Refresher Days held in Deloraine on Thursday.
The forestry agency is conducting critical training ahead of the approaching fire season, with a second refresher day scheduled for the southern region later this month.
Minister Felix Ellis said STT has a crucial role in the state’s firefighting capabilities.
“STT do a terrific job, they are out there managing our forests in a sustainable way to ensure we are on top of our fire readiness,” Ellis said.
“These refresher days complement that work nicely, giving STT firies and contractors a chance to refine their skills before they use them on the front line of our fire season.”
Last year, STT contributed approximately 14,000 hours to firefighting efforts across its staff and contractors.
The agency conducts strategic fuel reduction burns throughout the year to help protect communities and the environment by reducing potential fuel loads in Tasmania’s public production forests.
Ellis said as we come into fire season, it is important for Tasmanians to be aware of their surroundings.
“Have a plan, pay attention to the conditions and stay engaged with key services like the Tasmanian Fire Service, PWS and STT this fire season,” he said.
