The heat is on everyone in fire danger zones

Landowners are being reminded a single spark can start a blaze that can spread quickly, with very high fire danger expected.

LANDOWNERS are being reminded a single spark can start a blaze that can spread quickly, with very high fire danger expected across the North-East.

The warning comes after the state’s South dodged any further major fire incidents on Friday.

On Saturday, Scottsdale will reach a top of 28C, Bridport 27C, St Helens 27C, St Marys 27C and Fingal 26C.

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Regional Fire Controller Danny Richardson urged Tasmanians to avoid the use of fire this weekend.

This includes fires under a cubic metre which don’t need permits, he said.

“We are also asking landowners to reconsider the need for grass slashing or mowing – just one spark from a rock or the heat from a hot exhaust can start a fire which will spread quickly in tomorrow’s forecast conditions.

“TFS is well prepared for tomorrow but the community plays a big part in reducing the risk of uncontrolled fire in the landscape by exercising caution on days of high fire danger and by reporting fires they see by calling triple-0.”

PREPARED: TFS incident controller Steve Richardson addresses firefighters from NSW. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Very high fire danger conditions are also expected for the Furneaux Islands, Central North, Midlands and East Coast districts.

Some relief is expected on Sunday before fire weather conditions pick up early next week.

The Tasmania Fire Service on Friday responded to seven fires across the state, including six in the South, where a total fire ban in in place until 2am on Saturday.

Deputy State Fire Controller Jeff Harper said three of those fires had been handed to Tasmania Police to investigate possible breaches of the ban.

The Gell River fire in the state’s South-West, which was ignited by a lightning storm on December 27, last night remained at “advice” level for Maydena, Tyenna, Mount Field and National Park.

“Remote area firefighters and water bombing aircraft continue to make good progress on suppressing the fire,” Mr Harper said.

“Encouragingly, at this stage, the fire has not increased much in size despite today’s conditions.”

Firefighters from the TFS and NSW Rural Fire Service load equipment onto buses ahead of the weekend firefighting efforts. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Firefighters from NSW Rural Fire Service have arrived in the state and were briefed on Friday. They will be sent to the northeastern edge of the fire early on Saturday.

TFS also had extra fire crews and a community liaison officer in the Maydena area to provide advice to the community.

Smoke may continue to be visible in the Greater Hobart area, Derwent Valley, Midlands and Huon Valley. For more information visit www.fire.tas.gov.au