The Tasmania Fire Service has brought forward its statewide fire permit period by about six weeks as bushfire risk rises earlier than usual.
The permit period starts at 2am and applies to burns larger than one cubic metre. Last season’s permit period began on December 16.
Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said soil dryness, rainfall deficiency mapping, weather outlooks and grassland fuel data all pointed to a statewide drying trend.
“Current seasonal conditions across Tasmania indicate an elevated bushfire risk developing earlier than usual this year, which supports the introduction of a statewide Fire Permit Period from tomorrow,” he said.
Lowe said the permits were designed to ensure burns only took place when conditions were suitable, reducing the risk of bushfires during periods of heightened fire danger.
“Fire Permits are not designed to discourage people from burning, they are a way for us to only allow burning when the conditions are right and to reduce the risk of bushfires – especially during expected spikes in fire danger,” he said.
Permits are free and can be requested through the TFS website or by calling 1800 000 699. Volunteer permit officers assess every application and Lowe asked applicants to be patient and plan ahead.
“If your permit doesn’t get approved – it’s because your planned burn wouldn’t be safe in the conditions,” he said.
The change follows a campfire ban in parks and reserves across the eastern half of the state, which the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service introduced on Monday.
That ban covers campfires, pot fires and other solid fuel stoves until further notice. Gas stoves and gas barbecues are still allowed.
“With warmer than average conditions forecast in the months ahead, introducing these bans is a sensible precaution to help reduce bushfire risk before the peak fire season,” Parks and Wildlife Service State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said.
Edwards said rangers would patrol campgrounds and popular visitor sites. She encouraged visitors to check the Parks website for the campfire rules in the area they plan to visit.
Last fire season, 21 properties were destroyed across the state, including in significant fires at Dolphin Sands and Stieglitz in late 2025.
Lowe urged Tasmanians to prepare a bushfire plan and to follow alerts and warnings through TasALERT.com or the TasALERT app.
