Tas: Total fire ban declared for Tasmania's southern region

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2009
Tas: Total fire ban declared for Tasmania's southern region

HOBART, Dec 30 AAP - A total fire ban has been declared for Tasmania's southern region.

The ban is in place from midnight on Wednesday until 9pm on New Year's Eve (AEDT).

Chief fire officer Mike Brown said the ban on all fires outdoors follows the Bureau
of Meteorology's forecast for hot, dry and windy conditions on Thursday.

Mr Brown added that despite recent rain, vegetation in the state's south had dried out quickly.

Forecasted high temperatures in the mid-30s and strong winds of more than 50km/h will
help fires develop quickly and make them hard to control, he said.

Mr Brown said several fireworks permits have been issued in the state's south, and
these displays can go ahead after 9pm.

He said conditions of the permit will need to be followed closely.

"There are significant penalties that can be imposed on anyone not adhering to both
the total fire ban restrictions and the fireworks permit conditions and Tasmania Police
are planning to conduct regular patrols," he said.

"We are encouraging everyone to take extra care tomorrow and to enjoy this time of year."

The ban includes outdoor use of cutting, welding or other similar equipment that can
cause a fire.

Operators of agricultural machinery used to harvest crops or cut grass are being urged
to take particular care.

The fire ban applies to the municipalities of Brighton, Central Highlands, Clarence,
Derwent Valley, Glamorgan/Spring Bay, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley, Kingborough, Sorell,
Southern Midlands and Tasman.

AAP mi/apm

KEYWORD: BAN

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