State’s first hint of summer brings fire alert

TASMANIA has finally enjoyed a taste of summer with many parts of the state basking in the warmth as recent poor weather gave way to sunshine.

British bulldog Rosie and beagle-jack russell cross Milo make a splash at Kingston Beach. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

TASMANIA has finally enjoyed a taste of summer.

Hobart hit 30C and other parts of the state also basked in the warmth as recent poor weather gave way to sunshine.

Latvian couple Ivea Jirgena and Edvins Elferts, who arrived on the Golden Princess cruise ship, took advantage of the warm weather to explore Russell Falls and local vineyards. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Quick to cool off were British bulldog Rosie and beagle-jack russell cross Milo, who both made a splash at Kingston Beach.

But the warm weather has prompted one of the state’s major insurance companies to issue a warning about the upcoming bushfire season.

RACT Insurance said the state was facing a hazardous bushfire season and residents needed to prepare their homes, check their insurance and lock in an escape plan. The warning comes in line with the first spike in temperatures after a very wet winter and wet start to spring.

The temperature reached 30C in parts of the state yesterday and more hot days are forecast. Hobart peaked at 29C.

The city’s temperature will drop significantly today before climbing back to 30C on Monday.

RACT Insurance said higher than average temperatures over coming months combined with flourishing vegetation fed by spring rains had created the “perfect ingredients” for bushfires.

Tasmania Fire Service will conduct bushfire ready events across the state from this weekend with the first to be held at Maydena.

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers.

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said people did not need to live in the bush to be affected by bushfires.

“One of the most common ways houses catch fire during bushfires is from flying embers,” Mr Sayers said.

“Residents should start preparing homes and properties now by cutting back trees and vegetation surrounding their homes.”

In August, the Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook warned the bushfire season could start earlier, with the state’s East Coast between Swansea and St Helens through to Fingal the area to watch.

Originally published as State’s first hint of summer brings fire alert