Total fire ban from midnight

TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE - MEDIA RELEASE
TOTAL FIRE BAN DECLARED FOR SOUTHERN TASMANIA

December 19, 2013

Due to locally warmer weather conditions throughout today and forecast hot weather for tomorrow, TFS Chief Officer Mike Brown has declared a Total Fire Ban for the south of the state from midnight tonight until midnight on Thursday, December 19.

Mr Brown said: “Given the predicted weather conditions for tomorrow we expect that any fire outbreak in the south of Tasmania could be difficult to control. With the dry conditions developing in many areas, all Tasmanians are also asked to take extra care with machinery that emits sparks, such as mowers, slashers, grinders and other cutting tools, as this type of activity does has the potential to start fires.”

The Tasmania Fire Service is asking that anyone who may have lit a fire in the past week or so to ensure any fire is completely extinguished. “There are significant penalties that can be imposed on anyone not adhering to the Total Fire Ban restrictions,” Mr Brown added.

People should monitor the local ABC radio station or visit TFS website to keep up to date with conditions.

The Tasmania Fire Service urges everyone living in and around the bush to review their Bushfire Survival Plan now and be prepared to implement their plan if required. Details on how to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan, prepare your property for bushfires, or other fire safety tips can be found from the front page of the TFS website.

While the ban is in place please avoid non-essential water use. Turning off sprinkler systems and using hoses sparingly will help ensure that water is available for firefighting and protecting properties should it be required.

All fires should be reported by dialling "000".