Thursday-Friday total fire ban

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THE Derwent Valley is expected to experience very high to severe fire danger ratings tomorrow and Friday, with a Total Fire Ban to be enforced across the state's south and two northern areas.

The Tasmania Fire Service urges Tasmanians to be prepared for challenging fire weather conditions towards the end of the week as hot temperatures, north-westerly winds and low humidity are expected to push the fire danger to severe in parts of the state.

The forecast has triggered a Total Fire Ban to be declared for 48 hours from 2am tomorrow (Thursday) until 2am on Saturday, for all municipalities in the south, as well as the Northern Midlands and Break O'Day municipalities in the north.

"As far as the fire danger goes, there is potential for Thursday and Friday to be challenging across large parts of the state," TFS acting regional chief Dale Rayner said. "Fire danger ratings ranging from very high to severe are expected to be widespread across the Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley, East Coast and South East.

"It's crucial that people adhere to the Total Fire Ban and also act responsibly in the lead up to Thursday by not lighting fires. Fires that start under these conditions will be very difficult for firefighters to control. Even though much of the State has had some rainfall recently, this has not been enough to improve the conditions, and the fuels are still very dry and will burn easily," Mr Rayner said.

A Total Fire Ban means no fires can be lit in the open including campfires, fire pots, incinerators, burn offs and solid-fuelled barbecues. The declaration applies to the following municipalities: Bighton, Central Highlands, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley, Kingborough, Sorell, Southern Midlands, Tasman, Break O'Day and Northern Midlands.

Other information:

• Be aware of your surroundings and report any smoke or fire sightings to TFS immediately via Triple Zero (000).
• If a fire starts in your area listen to ABC Local Radio or visit www.fire.tas.gov.au for the latest bushfire information.
• If you have a bushfire survival plan review it now and know what you will do and where you will go if a bushfire starts in your area.