PARTS of Tasmania have been put on fire watch as temperatures in the North are expected to reach the mid to high 30s today and tomorrow.
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The Tasmania Fire Service has declared a total fire ban in the South today.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe fire danger warning for the upper Derwent Valley and very high danger alerts for the East Coast, Midlands and South-East.
Today, temperatures are expected to hit 34 degrees in Launceston and Hobart, before a sweltering 38 degrees in the North tomorrow.
The mercury will hover around the low 30s in Launceston on Thursday (33 degrees) and Friday (36 degrees).
Acting deputy chief officer Jeremy Smith said any fire outbreak could be difficult to control and asked anyone who had lit a fire recently to ensure it was fully extinguished.
``We also ask that people take extra care with machinery that makes sparks, such as mowers, slashers, grinders and other cutting tools, as this type of activity does have the potential to start fires,'' he said.
Public Health director Roscoe Taylor said plans with Ambulance Tasmania were in place to assist vulnerable people in health and aged care facilities.
Ambulance Tasmania chief executive Dominic Morgan said people should take simple steps, like drinking plenty of water, to prevent heat-related injuries.
``The elderly are less able to cope with the heat and if you know a family member might be at risk from hot weather, please check on them regularly,'' Mr Morgan said.
He said high temperatures generally led to increased calls for assistance to Ambulance Tasmania and asked people to consider visiting their general practitioner for minor ailments.
For more information about fire bans and restrictions call the Tasmania Fire Service on 1800000699 or visit www.fire.tas.gov.au