The ban will be in effect from midnight tonight, until midnight tomorrow.

Tasmanian Fire Servoce chief officer Mike Brown today said:  ``The Bureau of Meteorology forecast for very hot, windy and dry conditions makes it necessary to ban all fires in the open. The vegetation in most of the state has dried out and forecast conditions will cause any fires to develop quickly making control very difficult.

``People who may be camping or bushwalking over the weekend will not be allowed to light fires throughout the day on Friday and should plan to use some other alternative to cook or keep warm.''

Mr Brown encouraged everyone who lives in or near the bush to take responsibility for their safety, the safety of their families and their property. 

``If you live in or near the bush, continue to monitor conditions in your area, review your bushfire survival plan and be prepared to act on that plan if required,'' he said.

The use of cutting, welding or other equipment that may cause a fire to start is included in this ban. Those who may have had fires over the last few should check them and extinguish them if still alight or smouldering.

Mr Brown added: There are significant penalties that can be imposed on anyone not adhering to Total Fire Ban restrictions and Tasmania Police are planning to conduct regular patrols.

All fires should be reported by dialling 000.