Fire ban as city braces

HOBART faces similar conditions to those experienced prior to the devastating 1967 bushfire season, the city council’s bushland manager has warned – as the first total fire ban of the season for the South is imposed.

HOBART faces similar conditions to those before the devastating 1967 bushfire season, says Hobart City Council’s bushland manager.

Following a lecture by world-leading ecologist Alexandra Syphard, experts from the Tasmanian Fire Service, University of Tasmania and council will come together today for a panel discussion on the risks associated with what is expected to be a long and dangerous bushfire season.

It comes as a total fire ban is declared for the South today.

Council bushland manager John Fisher said the fire season never really left Hobart this year.

“Moisture levels in the forests surrounding Hobart have not reset to normal levels, which has resulted in conditions similar to those faced before Tasmania’s devastating 1967 bushfires,” he said.

“It was dry throughout winter — we had a bit of rain in August and September that is allowing us to carry out hazard reduction burns, but conditions have been barely suitable for the sort of low-intensity fuel reduction burns we carry out in Hobart’s forests, woodlands and grasslands.”

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, who will open the forum, said while saving lives was always the top priority, there were other risks that needed to be considered.

“While we are doing everything that we can to reduce the risk of bushfire threat to residents, we can’t guarantee the city will get through the season unscathed,” she said.

“If we do face the reality of property loss, then underinsurance becomes a real issue. It’s important to understand what your insurance will cover.”

Cr Reynolds said residents near bushfire prone areas should begin preparing now.

“Have a bushfire plan in place and remove any fireprone vegetation from the property,” she said.

“We’ve recently launched a campaign to remind residents of their responsibilities during bushfire season. Protecting homes from the threat of bushfire needs a joint effort.”

Today’s bushfire risk forum will be held at the Stanley Burbury Theatre at the UTAS Sandy Bay campus from 6pm.

The Tasmania Fire Service has issued a total fire ban in the South today. A fire weather warning is in place for the East Coast, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley and South East due to warm temperatures, low humidity and gusty northwest winds.

For more information on preparing for bushfire season, visit hobartcity.com.au/bushfire.