Tasmanian heritage forests at risk of 'catastrophic' bushfires, study finds

Researchers say amount of vegetation burnt by fires caused by lightning strikes rose dramatically this century

The amount of vegetation burnt by fires caused by lightning strikes in Tasmania's world heritage area has increased dramatically this century, according to new research led by the University of Tasmania.

The study, published this month in the academic journal Fire, warns the state's heritage forests face rising threats because of the tendency toward drier summers and that the probability of "catastrophic" fires could increase as a result of more fuel igniting from lightning strikes.