Hobart’s Eastern Shore is facing an elevated bushfire risk this weekend, with some areas predicted to experience “extreme” fire danger as temperatures are set to soar. The ABC reported that a combination of high temperatures, dry air, and windy conditions is expected to create a significant fire danger rating across much of Tasmania, with Sunday identified as a day of particularly elevated risk.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts Hobart to reach 27 degrees Celsius on Sunday, part of a brief warm spell. Other southern and eastern areas, including Campania and Richmond, are also expected to hit 27 degrees, while East Coast towns like Bicheno, Coles Bay, and Swansea could reach 25 degrees. This warmth follows damaging winds that affected much of Tasmania today, Friday, September 18, with gusts up to 100km/h in the south, easing by Saturday morning. However, another burst of damaging winds is anticipated from Sunday morning.

Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) has urged all Tasmanians to exercise extreme caution over the coming days. A high fire danger rating is forecast for Sunday, September 20, across numerous districts, including King Island, the Furneaux Islands, North East, East Coast, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley, South East, and Western districts. TFS Chief Officer Dermot Barry noted that conditions are expected to be similar to last Friday, but with the Tasmanian landscape at its driest as spring progresses, vigilance is crucial.

In response to the heightened risk, the TFS has placed a hold on issuing fire permits from Thursday until Sunday in the south, and from Thursday until Monday in the north-west. Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe of the Tasmania Fire Service has strongly discouraged registered burns due to the forecast high fire danger. He also advised residents to check any fires lit recently, such as campfires or burn-offs, ensuring they are fully extinguished by soaking, stirring, and soaking again.

The TFS, along with partner agencies Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania, will have additional firefighting personnel and equipment, including aircraft, on standby throughout the weekend. Residents are encouraged to review their bushfire survival plans and stay informed through official channels like the TasALERT app, TasALERT.com, or ABC Local Radio. The Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Matthew Thomas described the high fire danger as a “combination” of “the hot, the dry and the windy conditions,” noting that such “spike fire days” typically occur only once or twice a year in Tasmania.

For the latest warnings and updates, residents should refer to official sources.