AustraliaABC News & HeadlinesMultiple bushfire alerts in Tasmania as winds make blazes difficult to control
Tasmania's fire service has seven active bushfire warnings across the state on Sunday afternoon, with strong winds making conditions dangerous and a severe weather warning also in place.
Tasmania's fire service has issued bushfire alerts for several areas as wind gusts make conditions difficult for fire crews.
Tasmania's fire service issued seven active bushfire warnings on Sunday afternoon as strong wind gusts made it difficult for crews to control blazes across several areas.
Affected areas include Colebrook, Seven Mile Beach, Lewisham, Dodges Ferry, Carlton and Franklin, with a smoke alert also issued for the Huon Highway south of Franklin.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds affecting Hobart and surrounds, expected to clear by Monday morning.
If you are in affected areas including Hobart, Colebrook, Seven Mile Beach or Dodges Ferry, check your emergency kit, secure loose outdoor items, and stay indoors where possible today.
Tasmania's fire service has issued bushfire alerts for several areas as wind gusts make conditions difficult for fire crews.
As of 4pm, seven warnings were active, with people in affected areas urged to stay updated with the latest advice from authorities.
It comes as the TFS warned earlier in the week that areas of Tasmania would face an elevated fire danger due to a combination of high temperatures, dry air and windy conditions.
As of Sunday afternoon, the following notifications are in place:
- Yarlington Road, Colebrook
- Seven Mile Beach
- Lewisham, Dodges Ferry and Carlton
- Mud Walls Road, Colebrook
- Oatlands
- Dodges Ferry, Carlton, Seven Mile Beach
On Sunday evening, Regional Fire Controller Scott Vinen said fire crews had done an exceptional job amid difficult conditions.
"Tasmania Fire Service were called to a fire at Springhill Bottom Road, at Colebrook, around 11 this morning. Fifteen crews and four aircraft have been working to contain the fire," he said.
"A Watch and Act warning is in place, and we're advising the community to monitor conditions, as they are changing.
"Fire crews were also called to a fire on Pittwater Road, Seven Mile Beach, around 11.30am. Multiple crews, including Parks and Wildlife Service, are working to contain the fire.
"A Watch and Act warning is in place with people advised to avoid the area."
The Bureau of Meteorology said wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour had been recorded in a number of locations.
Gusts of 102 km/h were recorded at Hobart City at 3:51 pm, with Scotts Peak Dam recording 137 km/h at12:28 pm.
Bruny Island recorded a gust as high as 117 km/h at 1:13 pm, while Kunanyi (Mt Wellington) recorded 128 km/h at 2:07 pm.
Electricity provider TasNetworks has reported that thousands of people are without power.
Stay updated with the latest information about outages and expected restoration times on the TasNetworks website.
SES urges people to be ready for damaging winds
The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued a Severe Weather Warning forecasting damaging winds today, clearing by Monday morning.
Locations likely to be impacted include St Helens, Swansea, Strahan, New Norfolk, Hobart, Oatlands, Bicheno, Orford and Bothwell.
These conditions may lead to fallen trees, branches and powerlines.
If you are in or near the storm area, Tasmania SES advises you to check your emergency plan if you have one.
It also advises:
- Make sure your emergency kit is ready
- Look after children and pets
- Check on family, friends and neighbours
- Stay indoors where possible
- Never shelter under trees or powerlines
- Secure loose outdoor items, including furniture and play equipment
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees
- Be ready for possible power, water, phone or internet outages
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