Those wishing to burn off or use fire in any capacity will need to ensure they have a fire permit from today as Tasmania Fire Service braces for a potentially risky bushfire season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
TFS have declared it to be permit season, which will run until the end of the 2021-22 "bushfire danger period".
The announcement came amid a hot snap across much of Tasmania with temperatures in Launceston expected to climb as high as 28 degrees during the week.
"To put in place measures to prevent bushfires over this coming summer anyone wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit," TFS Chief Officer Dermot Barry said.
Chief Officer Barry said the incoming bushfire season was fraught with danger after above average rainfalls in October and November led to "significant grassland growth".
He said the growth would be a potential fire hazard as it dried in the warm spring and summer weather.
"We've had a lot of rain and that generally tends to get us a lot of grass growing as well ... Those fine fuels (dried grass) can dry very quickly and burn very quickly in this kind of weather," he said.
"This rain ... its a two-edged sword. Our fire fuel reduction unit have been out conducting burns ... But with all the rain it's been difficult for us to burn as much as we would like to in preparation for the bushfire season."
Chief Officer Barry said permits could be used to burn off over the coming weeks as the state looked to have drier weather - something that was a TFS and individual responsibility.
"The declaration of the fire permit period is not designed to discourage people from burning, it is a way of only permitting burning when the conditions are right, which is aimed at reducing the likelihood of escaped fires," he said.
Permits can be applied for to a TFS Permit Officer by contacting their local brigade or calling 1800 000 699. They are free and contain conditions in the hope any burn is conducted as safely as possible.
Further information is available at www.fire.tas.gov.au.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
More from Local News
DAILY
Your morning news
Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
