With summer on the horizon, grey nomads are being urged to stay alert to the potential dangers of bushfires.
The Tasmanian Minister for Parks and Heritage, Nick Duigan, said people in the state should never become complacent about fire risk.
“Spring is one of the best times to experience Tasmania’s natural places, but fire risk can increase quickly,” he said. “Tasmania is already experiencing very dry conditions across much of the east, and forecasts indicate a warmer summer ahead … the safety of visitors, communities and emergency responders is the top priority.”
The Government said increasing bushfire risk means visitors should take extra care when planning walks, camping trips and other outdoor activities.
Grey nomads travelling in all parts of Australia need to stay bushfire aware. PIC: DFES
It said they should check weather forecasts and park alerts before leaving, carry enough water, let someone know their plans, and be prepared to change them if conditions deteriorate.
Visitors are being told to always have a backup plan and be prepared for park or track closures. On days of very high fire danger, closures are sometime required ‘to protect public safety, reduce ignition risk and support emergency response operations’.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Fire Operations Manager, Richard Dakin, said preventing human-caused bushfires was a shared responsibility.
“With spring often bringing strong and unpredictable winds, we’re reminding campers to remain vigilant and never leave a campfire unattended,” he said. “Warm, windy conditions can quickly increase the risk of a campfire escaping … an escaped campfire can have devastating consequences, damaging campgrounds and the environment while putting lives at risk.”
Mr Dakin emphasised that campfires should only be lit in designated campfire areas.
“Fires must not be lit on roadsides, beaches or in campgrounds where fire ban signs are in place,” he said. “Importantly, some locations including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area are fuel-stove only year-round.”
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