While the fire danger may ease over winter, the work doesn't stop for our team in the off-season.
PWS are responsible for managing fire on parks and reserve land but also Future Potential Production Forest land and land reserved under the Crown Lands Act.
This results in us managing around 51% of the state for bushfire prevention and suppression.
We are constantly training and upskilling staff in bushfire roles. Our team has multiple responsibilities - their day-to-day work, which could be as a ranger or compliance officer, and in the bushfire season they pivot to take on specialised bushfire roles.
These roles range from being an on-ground firefighter, working in the duty room or managing an airbase to coordinate our aerial support, just to name a few.
State Fire Manager Katy Edwards addresses PWS staff during a fire prep training day.
While the bushfire season is still months away, preparation is already in full swing across the state.
Over the past two months, staff have been building their skills through targeted, role-specific training in areas such as air base management, operations, planning, fire weather and pump maintenance operations.
This training has been delivered in partnership with Tasmanian Fire Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania to ensure we're ready for whatever summer brings.
Whether coordinating aircraft, interpreting weather forecasts, developing operational strategies or participating in pack hike fitness tests, this training strengthens our capacity to respond to bushfires across Tasmania.
Staff look over maps during a planning session.