“Above normal” bushfire level forecast for western Tasmania

Parts of western Tasmania are at an elevated risk for bushfires this summer, according to the National Summer Bushfire Outlook.

The forecast, released today, anticipates a “normal” fire level for the remainder of the state.

Tasmania Fire Service Chief Officer Dermot Barry said parts of the southwest have been drier than the rest of the state for some time.

“This scenario continued during spring and is forecast to persist through summer,” he said.  “These long-term moisture deficits coupled with forecast below average rainfall and above average temperatures will bring forward the fire danger period in parts of western Tasmania.”