TASMANIA ON HIGH ALERT: ‘Extreme’ Fire Danger Looms as Winds of Up to 100km/h Set to Fan Flames Across the State
- Total fire ban declared for southern region and Furneaux Islands from Saturday
- Fire permits suspended statewide until Monday as ‘extreme’ fire danger rating forecast for east coast
- Residents warned to prepare for worst as winds of up to 100km/h expected to create perfect storm for bushfires
Tasmanians are bracing for a weekend of ‘extreme’ fire danger as winds of up to 100km/h are set to sweep across the state, fanning the flames of any potential bushfires. The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) has declared a total fire ban for the southern region and Furneaux Islands from 2am Saturday until 2am Sunday, with fire permits suspended statewide until Monday.
Despite temperatures expected to drop to the low 20s, the TFS is warning that the wind will create difficult conditions for firefighters, with the state’s east coast and Furneaux Islands forecast to have an ‘extreme’ fire danger rating. This is when fires can spread quickly and become extremely dangerous.
TFS Deputy Chief Matt Lowe said the precautions were necessary, even though temperatures are not forecast to exceed the low to mid-20s. “The main driver for the total fire ban and the permit suspension is the wind we will be receiving,” Mr Lowe said. “We’re expecting winds of up to 100km/h, which will create a high-risk situation for bushfires.”
Mr Lowe urged the community to prepare for the forecast fire threat and report any blazes or smoke by contacting Triple-0 (000) straight away. “We’re putting in place strike teams from the TFS, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania to respond to any emergencies,” he said.
The warning comes after a devastating bushfire destroyed 19 homes at Dolphin Sands last month, caused by a registered burn that was not properly extinguished. Another blaze at Stieglitz destroyed two properties in late December, caused by an unextinguished fire pit.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Luke Johnston said the state had been subject to a heatwave warning in recent days, with very dry conditions and widespread areas of dry lightning. “We’ve seen pretty widespread areas of dry grass and other bushfire risks, and we’re expecting winds to begin to ramp up during the morning, peak during the afternoon, and ease with the south-westerly change in the evening,” Mr Johnston said.
Residents are being warned to follow the fire bans and take precautions to prevent any accidental fires. “We’re urging people to be vigilant and take responsibility for their actions,” Mr Lowe said. “Any fires that have burned in the past week should be checked to ensure they have been fully extinguished.”