Experts are predicting a long hot summer – and Tasmanians today (Fri) saw the first total fire ban for the season.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of a very high fire danger for the Upper Derwent Valley and South East with high temperatures combined with low humidity and north-westerly winds averaging 35 kph this afternoon. There is a total fire ban in the south.
The recent wet seasons have led to an abundance of growth. When the dry spell hits, that will increase the likelihood of bushfires.
So the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association has reminded farmers of the about the danger of fires as we come into the summer.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said farmers across the state should check their bushfire survival plans immediately.
“Check your bush survival plan now and monitor the fire and weather situation on ABC radio or through the Tasmania Fire Service website, here, Ms Davis said.
Farmers should also prepare for the fire season by:
• Checking water supplies and fire-fighting equipment;
• Checking electric fences and clearing fence lines;
• Clearing undergrowth and fallen timber;
• Making sure access roads are maintained;
• Where appropriate, having an emergency plan for livestock;
• Remaining vigilant for smoke;
• Using caution when operating machinery;
• Download the ABC radio app onto their smart phones – if power supplies fail, you can then listen on your phone as well as on the car radio.
“Fire planning on farms is far more complicated than for an ordinary household – and it is important to plan ahead,” Ms Davis said
“Farmers must have an agreed plan that everyone is familiar with. This is especially important where farmers may well be off their own properties working with volunteer brigades elsewhere in the area,” she added.
“Every farm fire plan must include a location check system in place for all people who are on the property – they need to be able to contact them at all times so rapid decisions can be made about fire-fighting activities or coordinating an evacuation,” Ms Davis said.
