Total fire ban Thursday

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Southern Region (which includes the municipalities of Brighton, Central Highlands, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glamorgan/Spring Bay, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley, Kingborough, Sorell, Southern Midlands and Tasman) from midnight tonight (October 14) until midnight tomorrow (October 15).

"The Bureau of Meteorology forecast for hot, dry and windy conditions makes it necessary to ban all fires out of doors in the Southern Region,"  Tasmania Fire Service acting Regional chief officer Hugh Jones said.

"The vegetation in many parts of the state is dry despite recent rains. Forecast conditions will cause any fires to develop quickly making control difficult," he said.

The Tasmania Fire Service encourages everyone who lives in or near the bush to take responsibility for their safety, the safety of their families and their property by having a bushfire survival plan and be prepared to implement that plan if required.

This ban includes the use of cutting, grinding, welding or other similar equipment in the open.

Campers and others who intend to cook in the open should plan to use gas or electric stoves. 

Operators of agricultural machinery used to harvest crops or slash grass are encouraged to take particular care, although their use is not included in this ban.

All fires should be reported by dialling 000.

More information about total fire bans, other fire use restrictions and current fires is available on the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au

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.

Use of machinery that emit sparks, such as grinding, cutting and welding tools are banned during a total fire ban as this type of activity has the potential to start fires.

People should monitor the local ABC radio station or visit TFS website (www.fire.tas.gov.au) to keep up to date with conditions.

All fires should be reported by dialling 000.

General advice on a day of Total Fire Ban

Tools and Equipment: Tools and equipment that use a naked flame or generate sparks such as welding or grinding, must not be used in the open air. If essential works are required to be done a special permit may be issued, after a thorough investigation of each application. Apply to your TFS Regional Office.

Barbecues that use wood, charcoal or other solid fuel are banned: Gas and electric barbecues are permitted subject to the strict application of the conditions set out below. Gas and electric barbecues provided in public reserves/campsites may be used providing:

• the barbecue is electric or gas fired
• the barbecue is fixed permanent structure.

Portable gas and electric barbecues may be used provided the barbecue is located within 20 metres of a permanent dwelling (mobile homes, caravans or tents are not classified as permanent dwellings).

Additional conditions that apply to the use of portable electric and gas fired barbecues and barbecues in public reserves and campsites:

• the area for 3 metres around and above the barbecue is completely cleared of flammable material.
• an adult is in attendance at all times
• a tap with hose connected is ready for use
• at least 10 litres of water is on hand in case of emergency.

Water Usage: For information regarding water usage during a day of Total Fire Ban please refer to www.taswater.com.au