Independent report finds criticism of Tasmania's management of summer fires unwarranted

An independent report into the wildfires that affected areas of Tasmania's north and north-west during the past summer found criticism of fire management in wilderness areas was misplaced.

Following the bushfires, which burned more than 11,000 hectares of Tasmania's ancient Wilderness World Heritage Areas in January and February this year, an Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) report was commissioned by Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife and Forestry Tasmania.

The report said highlighted that public criticism of fire management in relation to environmental assets like the Wilderness World Heritage Area was "largely misplaced".

It also commended Tasmanian and interstate firefighters for avoiding any loss of life and minimising damage to buildings over their two-month effort to control numerous blazes, which were mostly sparked by lightning.

However, it recommended emergency services develop guidelines to avoid long-term environmental impacts and noted that more could be done to engage with groups and communities that "particularly value the wilderness areas" and Tasmania's cultural heritage values.

Among its 12 recommendations, the report suggested a new focus on engaging with these community groups.

It was also recommended more multi-agency planning around fire conditions, and more discussion between the TFS and other agencies about staff with transferrable skills.

AFAC also suggested staff in aviation-related roles should be seconded interstate for more experience.

The Tasmanian Government said the relevant agencies would review the recommendations and provide advice to the Government.

Another report into the environmental impact of the fires is still underway.

Lower image shows King Billy Pine.