Visitor and community safety in focus ahead of the fire season

Visitors to our parks, reserves and surrounding communities are urged to prepare and be aware for the upcoming bushfire season.

Minister for Parks and Heritage, Nick Duigan, said Tasmanians should never become complacent about fire risk.

“Spring is one of the best times to experience Tasmania's natural places, but fire risk can increase quickly,” Minister Duigan said.

“Tasmania is already experiencing very dry conditions across much of the east, and forecasts indicate a warmer summer ahead. The safety of visitors, communities and emergency responders is the top priority.

“Every Tasmanian should understand their level of risk. Bushfires can affect rural communities, semi-rural areas and some urban fringes. Planning ahead is sensible regardless of where you live.

“At home, know your risk, have a plan and act now, before summer arrives. For residents, if your plan for a bushfire is to leave, leave.

“Three priorities are: know your risk, have a bushfire plan and reduce fuel hazards around your home. That includes clearing gutters, maintaining gardens and removing flammable materials from around buildings."

Increasing bushfire risk means visitors should take extra care when planning walks, camping trips and other outdoor activities.

Check weather forecasts and park alerts before you leave, carry enough water, let someone know your plans and be prepared to change them if conditions deteriorate.

Visitors should always have a backup plan and be prepared for park or track closures. On days of very high fire danger, closures may be required to protect public safety, reduce ignition risk and support emergency response operations.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Fire Operations Manager, Richard Dakin, said preventing human-caused bushfires was a shared responsibility.

“With spring often bringing strong and unpredictable winds, we're reminding campers to remain vigilant and never leave a campfire unattended,” Mr Dakin said.

“Warm, windy conditions can quickly increase the risk of a campfire escaping. An escaped campfire can have devastating consequences, damaging campgrounds and the environment while putting lives at risk.

“Campfires should only be lit in designated campfire areas. Fires must not be lit on roadsides, beaches or in campgrounds where fire ban signs are in place.

“Importantly, some locations including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area are fuel-stove only year-round. For information about campfire rules and how to extinguish a campfire safely, visit the Parks website.”

Tasmania Fire Service Director, Community Fire Safety, Chris Collins said now was the time for residents to prepare their homes and properties for the bushfire season.

“We're urging Tasmanians to act now, not wait until it's too late. Know your risk, create a bushfire plan, clear gutters, tidy yards, remove flammable material from around your home, and create a defendable space to reduce the impact of bushfire on your property,” Mr Collins said.

“It's also important to know how to access alerts and warnings through TasALERT.com and the TasALERT app.”

More information about preparing your property is available here.