Spring fuel reduction burns helping to keep Tasmanians safe

Keeping Tasmanians safe is a top priority for the Rockliff Liberal Government and having a well-managed and effective fuel reduction program is part of this strategy as we head into a predicted warmer summer.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis said that the recent fires that impacted Friendly Beaches, Coles Bay and surrounds highlights the need for our pro-active Spring Fuel Reduction Program.

“To contain this fire, Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT), Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) and the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) supported by heavy machinery and aircraft, completed backburning on nearly 2000 hectares.

“Further, over the weekend Fuel Reduction Program Agencies (STT, PWS and TFS) took advantage of good conditions and completed burns covering an estimated 17,000 hectares state-wide,” Minister Ellis said.

“These 17,000 hectares comprised eight fuel reduction burns – 1 by the TFS at Zeehan, 3 by the PWS in the TWWHA at Erskine Range, Koruna Park and Ray Range, and 4 by STT in the Derwent Valley and Huon Valley.

“This is a fantastic achievement and work is continuing with favourable conditions giving us a chance to complete burns to help make our communities safer.

“We know Tasmania is one of the most bushfire prone places in the world and the fire at Friendly Beaches was a stark reminder how quickly a bushfire can move in windy, dry and warm conditions.

“Fortunately, there was only limited property damage and our fire teams are taking the opportunity to secure this fire with a series of strategic backburns and fire breaks that will further protect the greater Freycinet Peninsula region for years to come.

“Fuel reduction will not prevent bushfires from occurring, but they can reduce potential damage and make it easier and safer for firefighters to control fires,” Minister Ellis said.

Since the Fuel Reduction Program began in 2014, more than 1300 burns have been completed across Tasmania, reducing fire risk across more than 200,000 hectares. For spring 2023, plans are in place for more than 40 burns covering more than 3300 hectares, conditions permitting.

The Tasmanian Government has invested over $115 million into fuel reduction initiatives, including $3.1 million for Red Hot Tips program that helps to educate landowners on how to prepare their properties for bushfire.

The most accurate and up-to-date information on bushfires, floods and natural disasters can be found at www.TasALERT.com.au