Declaration of Fire Permit Period - Southern and Northern Regions

Declaration of Fire Permit Period - Southern and Northern Regions

Tasmania Fire Service has declared a Fire Permit Period from midnight tonight (Wednesday 21 December 2016) for all Southern and Northern Region municipalities.

TFS Chief Officer Chris Arnol said the moderate temperatures so far this summer are not a reason to relax.

"Although we have generally experienced more moderate summer temperatures and higher than average rainfall, TFS is now seeing an increase in uncontrolled outbreaks of fire. Several fires have required significant resources to bring under control. We have also experienced a number of days where the fire danger has reached the upper end of the Very High category and his trend is forecast to increase," Mr Arnol said.

The declaration of a Fire Permit Period is not designed to stop landowners from conducting hazard reduction burns on their properties. It guards against the likelihood of escaped fires and enables TFS to monitor controlled burning as Tasmania's fire danger intensifies over summer.

"We still need landowners to conduct controlled burns, while conditions allow, to reduce fuel hazards, they simply need to obtain a Fire Permit to confirm the right controls are in place and TFS has a network of capable Permit Officers throughout the state who help facilitate this," Mr Arnol said.

Campfires and barbeques do not require a permit; however, people must remain in attendance at all times whilst fires remain alight.

Please check with your local council on burning restrictions.

For information on how to obtain a fire permit - free call 1800 000 699 or visit www.fire.tas.gov.au