Friday: Day of Total Fire Ban

TODAY has been declared a Day of Total Fire Ban in all municipalities in the southern region.

This means it is illegal to light, or cause a fire in the open air, including incinerators, burn-offs, campfires, fire pots, and wood-fuelled barbecues.

The total fire ban will be in force in the following municipalities: Brighton, Central Highlands, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley, Kingborough, Sorell, Southern Midlands, and Tasman.

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"It will be hot on Friday, pushing the fire danger rating to Very High in several districts and Severe in the Upper Derwent Valley," Tasmania Fire Service deputy regional chief Phil Smith said. "Landowners who have recently had fires on their property must check them and properly extinguish them.

"Many bushfires TFS crews have responded to already this season started by out of control burn-offs on private property, or previous burns that have flared up in windy, dry conditions. Because of this, TFS is no longer issuing permits that allow people to burn in the southern region for the rest of summer."

Mr Smith said people can assist today by promptly reporting fires via Triple Zero, preparing their properties, reviewing their bushfire survival plans, and keeping up-to-date on changing conditions. Immediately reporting fires increases the likelihood of fires being able to be contained.

The total fire ban applies from 2am today, December 20, until 2am tomorrow, December 21. More information on Total Fire Bans and any incidents can be found at www.fire.tas.gov.au or by listening to ABC Local Radio.

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

On total fire ban days, Tasmanians are encouraged to reduce their water use by:

• Turning off all sprinkler systems, including automatic sprinkler systems.
• Where possible, restricting hose use to essential purposes such as firefighting or prevention.
• Rescheduling chores that require water, such as watering plants, washing windows or vehicles, to a day that isn’t a Total Fire Ban.
• More information on conserving water during a Total Fire Ban here: www.taswater.com.au/fireban