Tas hazard reduction burns an Oz first

Tasmanian fire authorities will launch an Australian-first, science-based scheme of fuel reduction burns across private and public property targeting high-risk bushfire areas.

The $28 million four-year scheme, funded by the Tasmanian government, was announced on Monday.

It draws on findings from inquiries into devastating bushfires in Tasmania in January 2013 and Victoria in February 2009.

The program is a new initiative because it takes in private land and will rely on the co-operation of owners.