Campfires and barbeques do not require permits, but people must stay with the fire while it is alight and ensure it is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended.

Tasmania Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer Bruce Byatt said forecasts for summer indicate warmer than average temperatures and while there has been a fair amount of rain recently, it will likely lead to a build-up of finer fuels, especially grasses.

“These grasses, when they dry out, can ignite easily and spread a fire rapidly,” Mr Byatt said. 

“The requirement for a permit is not intended to discourage landowners from undertaking vital bushfire hazard reduction.

“A fire permit provides the protections and conditions required to conduct burns as safely as possible when people do decide to burn off.”

Residents are also advised to always check with their local council for additional burning restrictions. 

“It enables TFS to keep track of any fires and ensure we can respond appropriately to expected spikes in fire danger," Mr Byatt said. 

Permits apply to light vegetation burning, and light fires at sawmills or factories that burn wood waste or other flammable material.

Fires for cooking, warmth or disposal or garden waste do not require a permit provided the fire is not lit in peat, humus or marram grass and is attended to by an adult at all times.

For information about obtaining a fire permit, call 1800 000 699 or visit www.fire.tas.gov.au.