Fire Tank Requirements for Domestic and Commercial Builds in Tasmania

A practical guide for property owners, developers and commercial operators

When building in a bushfire-prone area in Tasmania, one thing’s for certain… You’ll need a compliant fire tank. Whether it’s a new home, a commercial build, or a community facility, dedicated firefighting water storage is often a mandatory requirement. This guide breaks down who needs one, what’s involved, and how to make sure your setup ticks all the boxes

Two large black cylindrical water storage tanks with red and white warning signs and measurement labels, situated outdoors on a concrete platform against a clear blue sky.

Who Needs a Fire Tank?

For Domestic Builds

If you’re building a new home or significantly altering an existing one in a bushfire-prone zone, Tasmanian fire safety regulations require a dedicated 10,000-litre firefighting tank.

This tank must:

  • Be accessible to emergency services

  • Remain full at all times

  • Be fitted with a 65mm Storz outlet

  • Be clearly signed as a fire tank

  • Be installed to meet Tasmanian Building Regulations and fire safety codes

For Commercial and Community Builds

Fire tanks are also required for many commercial developments, particularly in regional or high-risk bushfire areas. A Bushfire Hazard Management Plan (BHMP) and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment will determine the minimum requirements for your project.

These requirements are not optional. They form part of your Development Application (DA) and must be approved by your building surveyor, council and the Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS).

Typical properties that often require a fire tank include:

  • Industrial workshops, depots and factories

  • Commercial farms and agribusiness operations

  • Wineries, breweries and distilleries

  • Hotels, lodges, retreats and caravan parks

  • Event centres and function venues

  • Schools, universities and training centres

  • Aged care facilities and health clinics

  • Childcare centres and early learning facilities

  • Storage yards and large-scale sheds

  • Public or government buildings

  • Remote retail or service stations

  • Multi-unit residential developments

If your build falls into one of these categories and is in a fire-prone area, there’s a high chance a compliant fire tank will be part of your planning requirements.

Fire Tank Options That Meet the Standard

Option 1: Galvanised Steel Fire Tank

Steel is the go-to material for firefighting tanks. It’s structurally sound, heat-resistant and already widely accepted by councils and the TFS. These tanks are built for compliance from the ground up and come standard with:

  • A 65mm Storz outlet

  • Proper fire signage

  • Full capacity reserved for firefighting

Option 2: Steel Liner Tank with Reserve Capacity

Want to combine firefighting reserve with household water use? Steel liner tanks can do both. You can reserve the bottom 10,000 litres for fire safety and use the remaining water for general use. The fire outlet is installed at the base, and the house outlet sits above the 10,000-litre reserve.

Benefits of this setup:

  • Saves space and cost, so there’s no need for a second tank

  • Fully compliant when designed and plumbed correctly

  • (Optional remote fire stand) If the tank isn’t easily accessible, a compliant outlet can be installed in a more suitable location via underground plumbing

Option 3: Poly Tanks (Limited Use)

Poly tanks are only allowed when explicitly approved by your BHMP, building surveyor and often the TFS. Even when permitted, they must meet stricter criteria for:

  • Wall thickness

  • UV resistance

  • Fire-compatible fittings

While poly tanks are corrosion-resistant and lightweight, they don’t handle heat as well as steel. They’re generally avoided in high-risk zones unless clearly stated in your fire report.

What’s Required for Compliance?

To stay compliant, your fire tank must meet:

  • AS2304.1-2019 – Water Storage for Firefighting

  • Tasmanian Building Regulations 2016 – Schedule 1

  • The General Fire Regulations 2021 require all firefighting systems to remain operational and accessible

  • Any specific directions from the Director Determination – Bushfire Hazard Areas

Installers must also be TFS-permitted, and final approvals often require sign-off from a building surveyor, local council, and the TFS.

This isn’t just red tape. It’s about ensuring your property is genuinely protected and your permits stay valid.

Planning Your Installation

A few key things must come together before installation:

  • Positioning: The tank or fire stand must be easily accessible for fire trucks, even during poor weather or emergencies

  • Base prep: Tanks must sit on a solid, level base, concrete slab or compacted gravel

  • Plumbing: All fittings must meet TFS standards

  • Signage & Access: Clear markings and unobstructed paths are essential

After installation, your building surveyor will inspect the system to confirm compliance. Documentation will also be required for council records, insurance, and future checks.

Can Taztanks Help? Absolutely.

We know the local regulations, what councils expect, and how to make the process smooth. Our tanks are built for compliance and long-term performance, and we’re happy to help with site visits, quotes, and advice at any stage.

If you’re not sure what tank suits your site or if steel or poly is even an option just ask. We’re here to help you get it right the first time, avoid costly delays, and make sure your project stays on track.

  • Free site visits across Tasmania

  • Council-compliant tank and fire fittings

  • Support from planning to install

Need help with your fire tank setup?
Complete our contact form and we’ll be in touch.