Fire is an integral part of the ecology of Wellington Park. French expeditions in the late eighteenth century reported extensive Aboriginal firing of the foothill forests. The pollen record from peats in the headwaters of the North West Bay River indicates that fire frequency has increased since European settlement. Severe fires are known to have occurred on parts of the Wellington Range in 1898, 1914, 1939, 1947, 1967 and 1983.
Fire within the Park can threaten surrounding property and vice versa. Bushfires can jeopardise life and land, ecological diversity and sustainability of natural systems. The 7th of February 1967 became known as 'Black Tuesday' when 270 000ha burned across southern Tasmania including the fringe of Hobart and much of Wellington Park. In five hours 1300 houses and 128 major buildings were burnt. Sixty two people lost their lives.
The Wellington Park Fire Management Strategy aims to minimise the threats posed by fires through consistent policies, appropriate procedures, and community involvement. Park neighbours can reduce the risk of fire through simple precautions.
In some cases the Wellington Park Management Trust and member agencies use fire as a tool to reduce fire hazard and protect assets. Prescribed burning is used to maintain plant communities and species of conservation value that require fire to ensure their long-term viability. When managed, fire can also assist in removing weeds and regenerating degraded bushland.
For more information on fire in Wellington Park contact the Fire Management Officer.
There are various fire management research opportunities. Details are available from the Manager.
Other information on fire safety and management is available through the Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.