Total fire ban Tuesday

TOTAL FIRE BAN - SOUTHERN TASMANIA
October 6, 2015

DUE to very high winds and locally warm weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow (Tuesday), Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Gavin Freeman has extended the declared total fire ban announced today to include all of the Northern and Southern Tasmanian regions from midnight tonight (October 5) until midnight tomorrow (October 6).

"Bushfires once again, will be very difficult to control tomorrow," Mr Freeman said. "We now have several fires burning around the state and a prediction of a very high fire danger rating for much of the south for tomorrow means that a total fire ban is needed. Additionally the North will now be impacted by very high fire danger and there will now be a total fire ban for that region as well."

A total fire ban applies in
northern and southern Tasmania
on October 6.

Mr Freeman said the Tasmanian community acted in a very responsible and diligent way during Saturday's total fire ban. "We thank them for their assistance and ask that this continues through tomorrow and the rest of the fire season."

The TFS responded to more than 60 vegetation fires on Saturday, which illustrates that even without total drying of the landscape, there is still a very real risk of fire and people need to be ready

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.

Mr Freeman said everyone living in and around the bush needs to review their Bushfire Survival Plan now and be prepared to implement that plan if required. Details on how to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan, preparing your property for bushfires, or other fire safety tips can be found from the front page of the TFS website www.fire.tas.gov.au

The TFS encourages people to register all burning activities they may be conducting by calling 1800 000 699 throughout the year.

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