Sizzling days raise fire fears

CONTINUED dangerous fire conditions have prompted the Tasmania Fire Service to extend a total fire ban across much of the state until midnight tonight.

The fire service said the fire danger rating was likely to reach severe in the state’s East and northeast today as hot, dry and windy conditions persist.

Temperatures in the high 20s to mid-30s have been forecast. Hobart is expecting a top of 29C today before a cooler change this afternoon.

A front is expected to cross the southeast midmorning and reach the northeast by midafternoon.

“With the front we will see stronger and gustier wind speeds and the potential for thunderstorms,” state fire controller Greg Butters said.

The continuation of a total fire ban means that no fires can be lit in the open air.

“Fires that occur will be difficult to control and we urge the public to report any fires to TFS immediately by calling 000 to give us the best chance of containing the fire quickly.

“We are expecting the fire danger rating to reach severe for the East Coast and northeast areas of the state on Friday with a very high fire danger rating for the upper Derwent Valley, Midlands, central North and Central Plateau.

“People need to be prepared to enact their bushfire survival plan quickly, whether that is to leave early or stand and defend,” Mr Butters said.

In the event of an emergency the fire service will provide regular updates on ABC Local Radio and the fire service website www.fire.tas.gov.au.