Charges over out-of-control fire

A LEWISHAM property owner has been charged with lighting a fire without a permit after firefighters were allegedly called in to extinguish an outof-control burn-off.

Police say the 41-year-old man was attempting to burn off a pile of vegetation on the rural property, but was unable to contain it because of dry and windy conditions.

It was reported to emergen- cy services at 10.20am yesterday.

The fire spread to a number of paddocks and was brought under control by Tasmania Fire Service after the deployment of 10 firefighters, five trucks and two helicopters.

“The man believed that due to the overnight rain it was safe to light the fire, but as he quickly discovered the ground and vegetation is still extremely dry and with a little wind can have a disastrous effect,” Sergeant Paul Devine said.

“If it wasn’t for the quick and excellent work from firefighters the fire would have spread and other properties in the area would have been threatened.”

The man suffered burns to one of his hands while attempting to extinguish the fire and a volunteer firefighter was also transported to hospital with smoke inhalation.

“People are reminded fire permits are required for the whole of Tasmania. Due to the conditions there is an embargo on permits being issued in the South of the state until further notice,” Sgt Devine said.

Information in relation to permits can be obtained by calling TFS on 1800 000 699 or by going to www.fire.tas.gov.au