Alerts for early bushfire season

THE state’s South, East Coast and the Derwent Valley are expected to face the highest risk in a bushfire season that could begin as early as next month, after a dry winter.

The warning from fire chiefs came as the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Co-operative Research Centre yesterday released the Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for summer, noting the majority of the state faced normal fire potential.

“Despite significant floods during the winter of 2016 in many catchments, long-term underlying dryness continues in some parts of Tasmania,” the report said.

“Most of the state has received below-average rainfall during 2017, with recent months very dry, especially in the South and East.

“Tasmania is expecting above-normal fire potential in the South, in the Derwent Valley and in the East, along the coastal strip.

“The fire season will commence early in these areas and, subject to spring conditions, may produce significant fires. The remainder of Tasmania is classified as normal fire potential.”

Tasmania Fire Service acting deputy chief Jeff Harper said the seasonal outlook highlighted the need for Tasmanians to get prepared for bushfire season now.

“We expect to have several total fire ban days this spring and summer,” Mr Harper said.

He said the TFS had so far developed 100 bushfire protection plans for individual communities.

“The important thing is to know the local bushfire risk and the options available and plan what you will do if there is a bushfire,” Mr Harper said.

Information on how to best prepare your property can be found at www.fire.tas.gov.au.