Tasmania Fire Service has declared the 2025/26 Fire Permit Period for Tasmania will end at 2:00am tomorrow (9 April 2026).

Deputy Chief of the Tasmania Fire Service, Matt Lowe, said Tasmania has experienced a difficult bushfire season with 21 properties destroyed and several properties and vehicles damaged in significant bushfires in Dolphin Sands and Stieglitz in late 2025.

“A cool spring, followed by a mild summer with minimal rainfall has meant that there was significant fuel in the landscape which we have been monitoring throughout the season.

“A recent review of conditions, including the Soil Dryness Index and Drought Factor, have determined that all associated fire risks have significantly lessened,” added Mr Lowe.

“This now allows for the Fire Permit Period – which started on 16 December 2025 – across the state to be revoked, however all landowners are encouraged to register burns.

“Although fire permits will no longer be required across the state, all landowners are encouraged to register burns in advance and take caution when burning on their property,” said Mr Lowe.

Tasmania Fire Service is committed to keeping the community safe from the risk of fire, and we ask landowners to help us by registering burns.

“By calling us on 1800 000 699 and registering your burn, you will ensure your local brigade are aware of your plans should they need to respond, and you prevent having them turn up to your property unnecessarily,” added Mr Lowe.

“Anyone conducting a burn needs to be capable of managing the fire, and aware of weather conditions to reduce the impact of smoke.

“Make sure your neighbours are aware of your plans, and that your burn won’t adversely affect their health, or farming operations, particularly the wine industry which can be vulnerable to smoke.

“It’s important to remember, landowners are responsible for any damage caused from fires that escape their land,” said Mr Lowe.

Wine Tasmania CEO, Sheralee Davies said that this has been a very different Tasmanian wine grape growing season to any other over the past three decades.

“A very cool spring followed by a mild summer and little rainfall has resulted in grapes ripening much slower than usual.

“Some growers have commenced harvesting their first wine grapes some 3-4 weeks later than normal, while some growers haven’t even commenced harvesting yet.

“This means that harvest activity and fuel reduction fires will overlap this season more than any other season in recent times.

“We understand the need for fuel reduction fires to occur to support community safety, and that fire can be a management tool for other agriculture.

“We’re simply asking people to have a quick proactive conversation with nearby vineyards before lighting a fire.

“Sometimes there may be limited risk based on weather conditions and the stage of harvest.

“Sometimes a short postponement may be all that’s needed to avoid potential damage.

“If you are planning to light a fire, please get in touch directly with nearby wine producers to discuss proposed timing, progress on harvesting and potential risks.

“You can also contact Wine Tasmania on 03 6223 3770 for further information and details of nearby wine producers,” said Ms Davies.

People are asked to remember:

  • Never light fires in peat, humus, or marram grass.
  • Ensure fuel loads are as dry as possible to minimise smoke.
  • Make sure an adult is always attending the burn, until it is fully extinguished.
  • Have suitable working firefighting equipment available, just in case.

Burning on private property is governed by local council by-laws and environmental laws about smoke emissions.

Resources are available to the community regarding permits and using fire outdoors at www.fire.tas.gov.au.

For information about wine grapes and smoke visit winetasmania.com.au/smokeandvineyards.