Wild fire hazard in the environs of Hobart

This work investigates and makes recommendation on the wild fire hazard that exists in the environs of Hobart. The underlying theme is that of protecting life and property while still giving due cognizance to other environmental and social values that exist in the area. The factors that influence fire behaviour are discussed and then applied to the Hobart area thereby qualifying it from a general fire danger perspective and showing that variations in fire danger occur over the area commensurate with variations in topography, vegetation and precipitation. The ways in which a bush fire conflagration may threaten or destroy life and property are detailed and from this perspective protection and survival techniques are proposed. The present programme aimed at ameliorating the wild fire hazard is briefly outlined; the main aspects of this programme involve the control of fires during fire danger periods, and reduction of fuel loadings, the suppression of outbreaks and public education. The hazard reduction burning aspect of the current fire management prcgramme is discussed with respect to its rationale and environmental implications, including the possible effects on vegetation, soil and wildlife. An attempt is made to rationalize the wild fire management programme in the area in such a way that greater emphasis may be given to other environmental and social values that exist within the area. This rationalization or reorientation involves the de-emphasising of the part currently played by broad area hazard reduction burning combined with a greater emphasis on localized protection and effective prevention and suppression of fire outbreaks.