ENJOY your long weekend - but be fire-smart.
That's the warning from the Tasmania Fire Service, as the state heads into the March long weekend with more hot, dry weather forecast.
TFS chief officer Mike Brown said bushfires were starting easily and very quickly developing into large fires that were difficult to control.
"Conditions can change quickly and people need to be ready to act, especially as the temperatures and wind increase," Mr Brown said.
He urged campers and bushwalkers to use gas stoves instead of open fires.
"There have been a number of fires this year which have started as a result of campfires not being completely extinguished," he said.
"People who light campfires on their properties must ensure the fire is never left unattended, and they need to turn the coals over and use water to ensure the fire is completely extinguished."
Those doing work around the house and garden should take care when using machinery that emit sparks, such as mowers, slashers and grinders.
Tasmanians living in and around the bush should review their bushfire survival plan and be prepared to act on it.Details on how to prepare a plan can be found at www.fire.tas.gov.au. People can also visit the website to keep up to date with conditions.