Hi-tech help to ease fire fears
State-of-the-art truck deployed as temperatures rise
TASMANIA’S emergency services have unveiled the latest hi-tech tool at their disposal as the state prepares for a weekend of hot conditions and high bushfire risk.
The state-of-the-art truck, unveiled at Burnie on Friday, is ready to be deployed to assist with the flow of critical information during bushfires.
But the Tasmania Fire Service hopes it is not needed over the next week when temperatures around the state are forecast to hit over 30C on several days.
Hobart will be a hot 30C on Saturday before reaching 31C on Tuesday.
In Ouse, it is forecast to hit 34C on Saturday and then 36C on Tuesday.
It will also be hot on the dry West Coast, where the bushfire risk is highest.
Bushfires are currently burning at Butlers Gorge in the Central Highlands and near Lake Pedder.
The TFS has been given access to the Mobile Interactive Learning Environment truck thanks to a partnership with the University of Tasmania.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis said having hi-tech equipment was essential for community safety.
“We know the bushfire risk for parts of Tasmania including the West Coast is above normal,” Mr Ellis said.
“This technology allows emergency teams out in the field, especially in remote areas, to have a command centre to keep the community safe.”
Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Dermot Barry told Mr Ellis the truck would not just aid firefighters but let communities know “the cavalry” had arrived and crews were working to keep them safe.
“It will primarily be used as staging area to assist with the management of Level 2 incidents in remote areas of the state,” Mr Barry said.
“There is also a large external monitor that will be used for fireground briefings, allowing crews to be briefed and deployed efficiently and effectively.
“Even though we have had a later start to the bushfire season and we have been experiencing the La Nina weather patterns with high rainfall, the West Coast has remained relatively dry and has above normal bushfire potential this season.”
Executive Dean of the College of Business and Economics and Professor at the University of Tasmania, Stuart Crispin, said the MILE truck had taken the university to communities across Tasmania.
“We are proud to provide the Tasmania Fire Service with access to the MILE truck to assist them in performing their vitally important role,” Professor Crispin said.
The weather bureau is forecasting hot conditions across Tasmania on Saturday, particularly about the south of the state, where temperatures are likely to reach into the low to mid-30s.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Belinda House confirmed towns in the Upper Derwent Valley and the southeast were likely to be the hottest.
“Hobart is expecting a maximum temperature of nearly 30C and Launceston 28C,” Ms House said.
“A cooler southerly wind change will bring a reprieve to the south of the state on Sunday, with temperatures forecast to be as much as 10C cooler on Sunday than Saturday. Temperatures will remain warm across the North.”
We know the bushfire risk for parts of Tasmania including the West Coast is above normal MINISTER FELIX ELLIS