A total fire ban has been declared for southern Tasmania and the Furneaux Islands, with dangerous bushfire conditions forecast after a week of warm weather.
The ban will be enforced from 2am Saturday until 2am Sunday.
A statewide fire permit suspension is also in place from now through to 2am Monday.
Tasmania Fire Service deputy chief of operations Matt Lowe said the restrictions were necessary due to the expected conditions.
“These are important steps we are taking to try and minimise the fire risks to our communities,” he said.
The total fire ban prohibits all fires in the open, including campfires, burn-offs, incinerators, fire pots and wood-fuelled barbecues.
All fire permits issued for the suspension period have been cancelled.
Lowe said burns under one cubic metre, which do not require a permit, were also strongly discouraged.
He urged anyone who had burned in the past week to ensure their fire was completely out.
The fire danger rating is forecast to reach extreme for the Furneaux Islands and east coast on Saturday.
High fire danger is expected for the central north, north-east, Midlands, upper Derwent Valley, south-east and Central Plateau districts.
Strike teams from the TFS, Parks and Wildlife and Sustainable Timber Tasmania will be stationed across the state.
Aerial firefighting resources including firebombing aircraft and helicopters are also on standby.
Lowe urged Tasmanians to stay alert.
“If you do see a fire or smoke in the area then report it straight away,” he said.
“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.”
