Bushfire fuel reduction program

Reducing the risk of destructive bushfire in Hobart's forests is an important part of preparing for the bushfire season and helps protect people, property and our natural environment from bushfire.

The City of Hobart's key tool for reducing bushfire risk in our forests is our annual program of low-intensity, fuel reduction burns, which allow us to manage the build-up of flammable materials such as tall grasses and bark.

Please note: we make every effort to alert nearby residents to upcoming fuel reduction burns, but if you or a member of your household has health or breathing conditions that could be made worse by smoke, please contact the us as soon as possible on 03 6238 2711 or coh@hobartcity.com.au.

We also encourage you to subscribe to our burn alerts email list so that we can let you know when we plan to carry out a fuel reduction burn in Hobart.

Safety advice

During fuel reduction burns we close the surrounding area to the public for safety reasons. Please do not proceed past any track closure signs until the site has been reopened.

You may notice smoke or smouldering logs for several days after a fuel reduction burn. Please do not be alarmed, this is expected.

Our staff will patrol the area for several days to ensure the fire does not reignite.

However, if concerned, please contact us on 03 6238 2711 or coh@hobartcity.com.au.

• We only burn when wind and temperature conditions are suitable. Ground fuels such as grass and leaf litter also need to be sufficiently dry.
• Signs are displayed in bushland reserves scheduled for planned burns and people living near targeted areas are notified in advance.
• Some walking and cycling tracks may need to be closed during fuel reduction burns. They will be re-opened when the area is safe.
• Please follow all safety directions and remain clear of fuel reduction burns. There is a heightened risk of trees and branches falling during and immediately following such operations.
• We advise nearby residents to take appropriate precautions during burns: keep doors and windows closed, remove washing from clothes lines and make sure pets are in a protected area.
• Motorists should always slow down and take care if driving through smoke, keep windows up and turn on your headlights.

All of our burns are registered with the Tasmania Fire Service and can be viewed on the What's Burning Now page.