Tasmania weather: Low intensity heatwave brings soaring temps, high fire danger

High temperatures, the risk of lightning and possible gusty conditions has the Tasmania Fire Service on high alert as a low-intensity heatwave brings sweltering conditions. FORECAST >>

Craig Warhurst

@CraigWarhurst2

less than 2 min read

February 17, 2023 - 8:12AM

Scorching temperatures across australia as heatwave sweeps through every state and territory

Tasmania

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HIGH temperatures, the risk of lightning and possible gusty conditions has the Tasmania Fire Service on high alert.

It has told Tasmanians to prepare their properties ahead of the forecast conditions over the coming days.

“We’re expecting high temperatures across the state for the next few days which can increase the risk of fires becoming uncontrollable,” Regional Chief, Southern Region, Jeremy Smith said.

“In anticipation, TFS has initiated a hot day response, doubling the brigade response to any fires that occur.

“Fire permits have also been put on hold for the foreseeable future.”

Parts of Tasmania are expected to hit maximum temps of more than 30C today. Photo: Windy.com

Currently the TFS is working on vegetation fires at Beulah Rd, Beulah, and Patons Rd, Mersey Forest, and will continue to monitor the situation on the fireground throughout the high temperature period.

“We will have aircraft and incident management teams on standby throughout the hot weather period to deal with any new fires that start,” Mr Smith said.

“TFS continues to work with our fire agency partners, Parks and Wildlife and Sustainable Timber Tasmania, to ensure we respond with the closest agency resource to any reported fire, regardless of land tenure.

“These measures are routine for hot weather and high fire danger periods, but we also ask community members to take responsibility for keeping themselves and their neighbours safe.

“Ensure that any fires that have been lit in recent days and weeks are extinguished prior to the weather heating up to ensure they don’t flare up and escape.

“We are also asking community members to limit the possibility of fires starting by familiarising themselves with information about operating machinery and equipment around dry vegetation and in hot conditions.”