Preparing for bushfire is a shared responsibility between individuals, communities, landowners and emergency services. Glenorchy City Council encourages all residents to understand their bushfire risk, prepare their property and have a clear plan in place before the fire season begins.
Bushfires can occur quickly and with little warning, particularly during hot, dry and windy conditions. Being prepared early can help protect lives, homes and property.
Know your risk
Not all parts of Glenorchy experience the same level of bushfire risk. Properties located near bushland, reserves, steep or hilly terrain and heavily vegetated areas are generally at higher risk during bushfire season.
Bushfire risk can be influenced by factors such as:
- Nearby vegetation and fuel loads
- Slope and terrain
- Weather and wind conditions
- Access and evacuation routes
- Distance from emergency services and infrastructure
Residents are encouraged to understand the specific risks affecting their property and surrounding area.
You can check whether your property is in a bushfire-prone area by:
- Using the Discover Glenorchy mapping tool
- Contacting Council’s Planning team
Get prepared
Bushfire preparation should begin well before the Tasmania fire season, which generally runs from October to March.
Early preparation can reduce risks and help households respond more safely during an emergency.
Have a bushfire survival plan
Every household in a bushfire-prone area should have a bushfire survival or emergency plan.
Your plan should include:
- When you will leave and where you will go
- Multiple evacuation routes
- Emergency contacts and communication plans
- Arrangements for children, older people, pets and livestock
- Important documents and emergency supplies
- What to do if conditions change quickly
Discuss your plan with all household members so everyone understands what to do during an emergency.
Prepare your property
Reducing fuel loads around your home can help lower bushfire risk.
Preparation may include:
- Mowing grass and maintaining gardens
- Clearing leaves and debris from gutters and roofs
- Trimming overhanging branches near buildings
- Removing flammable materials from around the home
- Maintaining driveways and access for emergency vehicles
- Securing outdoor furniture and loose items during high fire danger conditions
Residents should continue maintaining properties throughout the fire season.
Stay informed
Knowing how to receive emergency warnings and information is critical during bushfire season.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official emergency information and alerts through:
- TasALERT
- Tasmania Fire Service
- Local ABC radio and official emergency broadcasts
Registering for emergency alerts and monitoring conditions can help you respond quickly if a fire threatens your area.
During a fire warning
If a bushfire warning is issued for your area, follow instructions from emergency services immediately.
Bushfire warning levels may include:
- Advice
- Watch and Act
- Emergency Warning
If a Watch and Act or Emergency Warning is issued, conditions may become dangerous very quickly.
Residents are strongly encouraged to:
- Leave early if your plan is to evacuate
- Monitor official warnings and updates
- Avoid travelling through fire-affected areas
- Follow instructions from emergency services and authorities
Leaving early is always safer than waiting until conditions become severe.
After a fire
Returning to a fire-affected area before it has been declared safe can be extremely dangerous.
Hazards after a bushfire may include:
- Falling trees and branches
- Unstable buildings and structures
- Hot spots and smouldering vegetation
- Damaged powerlines and infrastructure
- Smoke and poor air quality
Residents should wait for official clearance before returning to affected properties or areas.
More information
- Tasmania Fire Service: fire.tas.gov.au
- TasALERT emergency alerts: tas.gov.au/tasalert
- State Emergency Service: ses.tas.gov.au
- Council: 03 6216 6800
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