Total Fire Ban: First for 2015 - 16 season

Huon Bush Retreats is ready to implement our Fire Safety Plan tomorrow, the first time this fire season.

Due to very high winds and locally warm weather conditions throughout today and forecasted very high winds and higher temperatures for Saturday, Tasmania Fire Service has declared a Total Fire Ban for southern Tasmania from midnight 2nd of October 2015 until midnight on the 3rd of October 2015.

Throughout the day, we will be monitoring the local fire danger on site and monitoring the TFS website for reports of any fires nearby.

TOTAL FIRE BAN - SOUTHERN TASMANIA 3rd of October 2015
Date: 02/10/2015 2:00pm
Contact: John Holloway
Phone: (03) 6230 8424

Due to very high winds and locally warm weather conditions throughout today and forecasted very high winds and higher temperatures for Saturday, TFS Chief Officer Gavin Freeman has declared a Total Fire Ban for southern Tasmania from midnight 2nd of October 2015 until midnight on the 3rd of October 2015.
Mr Freeman said, Bushfires driven by high winds will be very difficult to control. The bush is already dry in many areas around the state and a prediction of a severe fire danger rating for much of the south on Saturday, which only occurs 3 to 4 times in a normal season, means that a total fire ban is warranted. Mr Freeman added It has been pleasing that many land owners have been conducting hazard reduction burns over the last few weeks to prepare their properties for the bushfire season. However, any fire that has been lit must be properly extinguished prior to the ban coming into effect.
With the dry conditions already influencing the bush and grass and predicted winds of over 100kms/h, no fires are permitted in the open. All Tasmanians are asked to take extra care with machinery that emit sparks, such as mowers, slashers, grinders and other cutting tools, as this type of activity has the potential to start fires. For those in the Southern half of Tasmania planning Grand Final day activities on Saturday, only gas fired barbecues can be used.
While the ban is in place please avoid non-essential water use. Turning off sprinkler systems and using hoses sparingly will help ensure that water is available for firefighting and protecting properties should it be required.
People should monitor the local ABC radio station or visit TFS website (www.fire.tas.gov.au) to keep up to date with conditions.
Mr Freeman said everyone living in and around the bush needs to review their Bushfire Survival Plan now and be prepared to implement that plan if required. Details on how to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan, preparing your property for bushfires, or other fire safety tips can be found from the front page of the TFS website www.fire.tas.gov.au
Mr Freeman also said: There are significant penalties that can be imposed on anyone not adhering to the Total Fire Ban restrictions.
All fires should be reported by dialling "000".