Media release – Tasmanian Fire Service, 22 September 2023

Additional burn planned this weekend to consolidate Coles Bay fire

Fire authorities will undertake additional burning to consolidate the northern boundaries of the Coles Bay Road fire starting tomorrow.

With favourable weather conditions forecast from now until mid-next week, TFS, PWS and STT crews will conduct a burn of approximately 1200 hectares of national park and 700 hectares of private land in the area this weekend in a bid to contain the fire.

TFS Deputy Chief Matt Lowe said that the burn was necessary as it would provide future protection for the Coles Bay community and protection of critical infrastructure including road and power services as well as the national park.

The fire remains at Advice level – Monitor Conditions in the areas of Swanwick, Coles Bay and Friendly Beaches region.

“People are advised that there will be smoke highly visible in the area as the burn takes place but we will actively plan and monitor conditions to ensure this is minimised as much as possible.”

Mr Lowe said that the fire fighting activities would include approximately 60 fire fighters, 20 fire appliances, 3 aircraft and heavy machinery.

“This burn will create a large, strategic area of fuel reduced vegetation in a fire prone environment, which will also complement future planned fuel reduction burns on reserved land and private tenure in the vicinity of the current fire,” he said.

“These activities will consolidate the fire in its entirety to natural fire breaks and the sea, which is inaccessible at this stage.

“This is about providing additional protection to the Coles Bay. Swanwick and Bicheno communities into the future and ensuring the safety of our fire fighters and other emergency services operating in the area, while bringing the fire under control as soon as we can.

“Coles Bay, Swanwick and the whole of the Peninsula are recognised as being at high risk from bushfire and by including the area north of the fire into the fire fighting activities, this will consolidate the fire and provide long term protection for the Coles Bay community and local tourism operators.”

PWS State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said this is a great example of Tasmania’s three fire agencies working together to protect public and private infrastructure and natural assets through a tenure blind approach.

She said it was important members of the public and local community stay informed about conditions in the area, including after the fire is under control.

“Part of keeping people safe means some areas of our parks and reserves may be closed to the public during and after fire,” Ms Edwards said.

“At present, the Friendly Beaches campground and other nearby areas are closed and will remain closed until a comprehensive assessment of the area can be completed.”

Tasmania Police Southern District Commander Jason Elmer reminded motorists to drive with caution in areas affected by smoke.

“Please obey reduced speed limits along the Coles Bay Road and drive with caution if the smoke is impacting on your journey,” Commander Elmer said.

Mr Lowe said that the fire will be highly visible but will have low impact on natural values as the burn will be conducted in fire tolerant vegetation.

“We understand that the Coles Bay community has been impacted by this fire event in the past few days, and we appreciate their ongoing understanding while we undertake these critical works to consolidate this fire,” he said.

Fire investigators are continuing to work to determine the cause of the fire.

A community forum was held yesterday, with more planned in the coming days to keep people affected by the fire up to date.

Mr Lowe said that with the Bureau of Meteorology declaring El Nino is underway, the Tasmanian community needed to prepare for more bushfires this season.

“While wet conditions have limited our opportunities over the past three years, we have been conducting fuel reduction burns where we can, and have been busy training our people in preparation for a drier season,” he said.

“However, we also need the community to take action, and now is the time for that action.

“The best defence against bushfires is being prepared – know your risk, develop and practice bushfire plans, clean up yards and gutters, and remove flammable waste from around the home to create a defendable space.”

For information about preparing your property visit www.fire.tas.gov.au

People in the Coles Bay vicinity are encouraged to stay informed and monitor conditions locally by visiting tasalert.com and listening to ABC Radio.