Forest Industry Fire Management Committee (FIFMC) highlights 2022/23 fire season efforts
Darryn Crook, Chair of the Forest Industry Fire Management Committee (FIFMC), has highlighted the dedication of the forest managers and their contractors within Tasmania during the recently concluded 2022/23 fire season.
FIFMC, serving as a platform for forest managers across Tasmania, remains dedicated to ensuring forest fire safety and prevention within both public and private forested land areas.
Despite the challenges posed by the fire season, which saw several fires ignited by acts of arson, the collective efforts of FIFMC members have resulted in a great outcome.
Wetter and cooler than average conditions prevailed across the forest estate area, contributing to a relatively quiet fire season. A total of 171 hectares were affected by bushfires, necessitating more than 3,000 hours of firefighting activities.
FIFMC recognises the significance of sharing pertinent statistics to showcase the level of resourcing and commitment invested by the forest industry in fire prevention and suppression. The following table and graphic to the right provide a summary of the 2022/23 fire season metrics:
| FIFMC 2022/2023 Fire Season Metrics | |||
| SUSTAINABLE TIMBER TASMANIA | PRIVATE FOREST MANAGERS | TOTAL | |
| Trained Firefighters (No) | 210 | 59 | 269 |
| Equipment (No) | – | ||
| Heavy Tankers | 15 | 8 | 23 |
| Light Tankers | 79 | 20 | 99 |
| Aircraft | 28 | 1 | 29 |
| Fire Towers/Cameras (No) | 11 | 2 | 13 |
| Number of Bushfires attended | 30 | 17 | 47 |
| land burnt by bushfires (hectares) | 118 | 53 | 171 |
| Hours of general Firefighting activities | 2,466 | 589 | 3,055 |
| Hours of standby activity (including contractors) | 34,451 | 6,684 | 41,135 |
Note: STT aircraft 24 helicopters and 4 fixed-wing (as part of the inter-agency resource through NAFC and CWN). STT numbers apply to PTPZ Land.
FIFMC members and their contractors diligently participated in fire prevention, suppression and standby activities throughout the fire season. Their dedication and collaborative spirit have undoubtedly assisted in safeguarding Tasmania’s forest resources.
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