Average bushfire season expected for Tasmania

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council report said fuel conditions for the majority of the state are considered only slightly below normal, while the state's south-west is being closely monitored for the possibility of increased fire potential should rainfall deficits develop.

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With that in mind, the report's overall assessment is for normal fire potential for Tasmania this summer.

While the year to date has seen above average rainfall for many areas across the country, western Tasmania could expect below average rainfall over the summer months.

The above average rainfall has meant planned burn-offs in spring have been difficult and grassy fuel types have significant fuels from last season which will bring forward the fire danger period for these fuels.

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However, soil moisture levels are normal in Tasmania's South-West and generally above normal elsewhere.

In terms of temperatures, the report said there is a moderate to high chance that maximum temperatures for summer will be above average for much of the state from December to February, while there is a high chance that minimum temperatures for the same period will be above the long-term average across most of Australia.

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New CSIRO research has also identified an increase in fire activity in places such as Tasmania's alpine forests in the last 30 years.

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