West Coast fire review released

The Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services’ (AFAC) Independent Operational Review into the 2025 Tasmanian West Coast Fire Complex has been released.

On 3 February 2025, 1,227 ground lightning strikes were recorded in the western region, triggering a 57-day firefighting campaign involving personnel from the state’s three fire agencies, the Tasmania Fire Service, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, supported by interstate and international agencies.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the review highlighted the three agencies’ outstanding efforts in responding to the fires.

“The West Coast fire caused significant environmental, economic, and social disruption, but notably, there was no loss of human life, no significant injuries, and minimal damage to built assets,” Minister Ellis said.

“Learnings from the Review will further enhance Tasmania’s operational capabilities and support continuous improvement and collaboration across our organisations.

“I extend my thanks to the review team including Mr Jon Broomhall AFSM (WA), Mr Nigel Brennan AFSM (VIC), and Dr Simon Heemstra (NSW) for their efforts.”

The Strategic Coordination Group, comprising of representatives from the state’s three fire agencies, will now convene to consider the Review’s 20 recommendations.

The report is available here.