Total fire ban declared for south Tasmania from 2am Monday
With high temperatures and strong winds forecast for southern Tasmania, fire authorities have declared a total fire ban from 2am Monday. Weather forecast >>
Tasmania
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With temperatures forecast in the mid 30s and winds gusting up to 80kmh, a total fire ban has been declared for southern Tasmania from 2 o’clock on Monday morning.
The fire ban will be for 24 hours.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Jenny Horvat said temperatures in the south were expected to reach the mid 30s before a cool change on Monday afternoon.
“For Hobart, we’re looking at around maybe 32C or 33C, around 33C at Brighton, and also for New Norfolk and maybe 34C at Bushy Park,” she said
“On the current timings, and these things can speed up or slow down, but the cool change is coming probably late afternoon.
“It will move through the Hobart area, coming across from the West slowly, during the day.
“We’re looking at some of those wind gusts getting up to around 70kph to 80kph or maybe getting up to 90kmh in parts and there could be the isolated gust exceeding 100kph, but probably more around elevated parts.”
Ms Horvat said the situation would be reassessed on Sunday and if necessary a wind warning would be issued.
Tasmania Fire Service acting southern regional chief Scott Vinen said high fire danger ratings were forecast in the south on Monday.
He said the ban would be in effect from 2.00am on Monday until 2.00am on Tuesday.
“This means that from 2am Monday morning, no fires will be permitted in the open, including incinerators, burn-offs, campfires, fire pots, and wood-fuelled barbecues,” Mr Vinen said.
“These measures are designed to protect our communities, and keep people safe, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation.
“Any landowner who has recently had a fire on their property is urged to check the fire area immediately to ensure it is properly extinguished before the total fire ban comes into effect.
“If you’ve had a campfire in recent days, make sure it’s fully extinguished now – soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is out.”
Mr Vinen said people living in a bushfire prone area should review their bushfire survival plan, and keep up-to-date on changing conditions due to the warm weather.
“If you’re away from home camping or enjoying the long weekend, make sure to check the warnings for the specific area that you’re in, and make a plan for how to stay safe in the event of a bushfire,” he said.
Anyone who sees a fire in the open over the coming days is urged to call 000.
The TFS says people can keep up-to-date with:
https://bushfire.tas.gov.au/ – for the fire danger rating in your area.
http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings/ – for the latest weather forecast and warnings.
https://www.tasalert.com – for current warnings and advice.
https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/ – for road closures.
Originally published as Total fire ban declared for south Tasmania from 2am Monday
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