Fire permits off limits

Embargo for South amid hot, dry weekend

NO fire permits will be issued in Tasmania’s South from 2am today due to the forecast hot conditions.

The Tasmania Fire Service said the permit embargo had been issued in the face of developing hot, dry conditions and strengthening winds.

The TFS said the conditions would increase the fire risk for many areas, particularly the dry Upper Derwent, Midlands, Coal Valley and southern parts of the East Coast. “Those who already have a permit are being advised not to light a fire this weekend but we are not at the stage of issuing a total fire ban,” Acting Southern Regional Chief Ian Bounds said.

“But we are entering the high end of the bushfire season. While forecasts are for above average rainfall this summer, which should dampen the bushfire risk, there is significant fuel growth and that is a concern.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 33C for Hobart on Monday after a warm weekend.

It will be even hotter inland with 35C forecast for Ouse.

The permit embargo will remain in place until midnight on Monday at this stage.

“No permits will be issued through this period. Existing permits, or permit fires conducted over the last week, are to be checked and fully extinguished where possible,” Mr Bounds said.

“Registration of burning of vegetation under one cubic metre will also be discouraged and TFS urges the public to take additional care with fires in the open, or operation of equipment that may cause accidental ignition of vegetation during this period.”

Campfire restrictions are also in place and information on what areas are impacted is available on the Parks and Wildlife Service website.

“TFS is continuing to monitor the daily update reports from the BOM and we ask people to stay aware and up to date of the situation as there may be other restrictions and notifications over the next two days as the forecast develops,” Mr Bounds said.

He said if a fire escapes, call triple-0 immediately so emergency services can respond and keep damage to a minimum. For information visit www.fire.tas.gov.au.