Media release – Tasmania Fire Service (TFS), 2 October 2023
Fire Permit Period for southern Tasmania to commence tomorrow
Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) has declared that fire permits will be required for southern municipalities from 2am on 3 October 2023.
“Following a review of current conditions, and in preparation for the 2023-24 bushfire season, from 2am tomorrow if you wish to light a fire in the open in a southern municipality you will require a Fire Permit,” said TFS Deputy Chief Officer, Matt Lowe.
Southern municipalities are Brighton, Central Highlands, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley, Kingborough, Sorell, Southern Midlands, Tasman.
“An analysis of current conditions showed that moisture levels in the landscape are now very low in the southeast.”
“With the conditions in the southern landscape, and to implement measures to allow us to mandate and monitor fires to mitigate the risk of bushfires as best as possible, we’re starting the Fire Permit Period for Southern municipalities from tomorrow.”
“The Fire Permit Period for southern municipalities does not stop landowners burning on their properties; however, it does require that landowners obtain a Fire Permit for any burn larger than 1 cubic meter in size on their property,” said Deputy Chief Officer Lowe.
People wishing to burn on their property can apply to a TFS Permit Officer by contacting their local brigade or calling 1800 000 699. Permits are free and contain clear conditions that will ensure any burn is conducted as safely as possible.
“At this point, conditions do not warrant the declaration of a Fire Permit Period in the northern and north-west regions until a later date.”
“With the permit period not yet declared for the north and north-west municipalities, I encourage people in those communities to not become complacent and to ensure their properties are prepared.”
“As we head into bushfire season, it’s important for everyone to be prepared and to have a plan to keep safe if they’re impacted by a bushfire.”
“The fire at Coles Bay in recent weeks is a timely example of how crucial it is to be informed and to know how to access information that affects you and our local community.”
“Know your risk, develop and practice bushfire plans, know how to access information through TasAlert, and review the Community Bushfire Protection Plan for your area.”
“If you’re ever faced with a situation where you need to evacuate due to bushfire, please be aware of the difference between an ‘Evacuation Centre’ and a ‘Nearby Safer Place’ to keep safe.”
“An Evacuation Centre is a designated building, specifically selected to provide people with a safe shelter option, often with basic amenities; whereas a Safer Place is an area that provides shelter as a last resort – these are often designated areas outside.”
“Please visit our website – fire.tas.gov.au – and familiarise yourself with the Community Bushfire Protection Plan for your area.”
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) will continue to monitor conditions to determine when campfire restrictions are required.
“Bushfire risk reduction is a shared responsibility between fire agencies and the community, and everyone has a part to play,” Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said.
“Information will be available on the PWS website once campfire restrictions are introduced at: https://parks.tas.gov.au/.”
For further information about:
- Fire Permit Periods, Community Bushfire Protection Plans, and details on how to prepare for bushfire season, visit www.fire.tas.gov.au
- Once campfire restrictions are enacted by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, information will be available on https://parks.tas.gov.au/
- Warnings and Alerts, visit tasalert.com and listed to ABC Radio
