Severe fire threat for Hobart's bushland reserves

Published on 24 January 2019

The current Fire Danger Index forecast for tomorrow in Tasmania's southeast district including Hobart is 70, which is considered Severe on the Fire Danger Rating.

The City of Hobart's approved Incident Procedures state that the City will close all bushland reserves to public access at a Fire Danger Index of 60. 

Due to this, the City’s bushland reserve network and all barbecues in bushland reserves, including kunanyi/ Mt Wellington, will be closed from 5 pm Thursday 24 January and are expected to reopen once the severe fire danger threat has passed. 

The City is currently monitoring the McRobbies Gully Waste Management Centre (the ‘tip’). It will be closed to the public if the forecast Fire Danger Index reaches expected levels.

An addition, a Total Fire Ban has been issued by Tasmania Fire Services and is in effect from 2 am Thursday 24 January and continuing until 2 am Monday 28 January 2019. Walking and mountain bike tracks as well as barbecues in the City’s bushland reserves will be closed until the Total Fire Ban and severe fire danger rating have been lifted. 

Gates into all bushland reserves, including kunyani/Mt Wellington, will be locked (Fact Sheet: why we close our bushland reserves(PDF, 878KB)) and the public is reminded that it is an offence to knowingly enter reserves that are closed. Penalties may apply. 

Many of Hobart’s bushland reserves are in fire prone areas. During severe weather conditions wildfires can be fast moving, unpredictable and uncontrollable, making our bushland reserves unsafe places to visit. 

Fire and Biodiversity crews will patrol Hobart’s parks and reserves, including the Tom Thumb fire in Wellington Park during the closures, monitoring for any potential fire outbreaks.

This page will be updated with any changes. 

For more information, visit https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/