Farmers warned about using machinery in fire danger period

There is a total fire ban today. The Tasmanian Fire Service says the hot dry winds have led to severe fire danger ratings in some areas and the outlook for the next few days will again bring very high ratings.

It is an offence to light any fire outdoors. It is also an offence to use any machinery or equipment that may cause a spark or flame in the open air.

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) said today that clarification on what equipment was covered under this ban has now been issued by the Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS).

Jan Davis, TFGA CEO, noted that the ban has now been specifically extended to include machinery with heated parts such as engines and exhausts that may be in contact with dry vegetation or machinery that was used for harvesting, mowing, cutting and slashing of dry materials such as poppies, grass and cereal crops.

“Farmers need to be aware that there are significant penalties for anyone not adhering to the restrictions, and that ultimate responsibility for activities on their properties rests with them. They are therefore urged to take all precautions to ensure fire hazards are managed appropriately,” Ms Davis added.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis