Fire destroys North-West Housing Tasmania property; police nab four West Coast drink drivers
Fire has caused $300,000 damage to a Housing Tasmania property | Four charged with drink driving, including one allegedly more than four times the limit. LATEST POLICE NEWS >>
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Fire destroys Housing Tasmania property
A SUSPICIOUS fire at a Housing Tasmania property in Tasmania’s North-West has caused an estimated $300,000 damage.
The fire on Bowick St, Wynyard, was reported early on Saturday morning.
The Tasmania Fire Service attended and brought the blaze under control, but the house and contents were completely destroyed.
No occupants were home at the time of the fire.
Police said the fire was being treated as suspicious and investigators were following a specific line of inquiry.
Anyone with information about the fire is encouraged to call Burnie police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police nab West Coast drink drivers
Saturday, September 4
POLICE have charged four people with drink driving on Tasmania’s West Coast in the past week, including one man who allegedly returned a reading of more than four times the legal limit.
Police said the 57-year-old blew 0.210 after being stopped for a random breath test.
A 40-year-old who allegedly returned a reading of 0.183 and a 49-year-old man who allegedly returned a reading of 0.175 were also charged with high-range drink driving.
The fourth man was charged with low-range drink driving.
Police reiterated their warning that getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking is a danger to all road users and can have lasting consequences and that penalties apply for anyone caught breaking the law.
Man lost at sea off Flinders Island
UPDATE – 3.45pm Friday. September 3
Police have called off a search for a missing fisherman in waters of Flinders Island.
In an announcement this afternoon, police confirmed the search for a man reported missing overboard about 25 nautical miles off the east coast of Flinders Island last night has been suspended.
“The 39-year-old man from the Philippines was working aboard a fishing vessel operating out of Victoria,” a statement from Tasmania Police said
The statement said poor weather conditions with strong winds, cool temperatures and high swells, expert advice meant it was “extremely unlikely” that the man could have survived.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
UPDATE – 9:48am Friday, September 3
Crews have resumed the search for a man missing east of Flinders Island this morning after the mission was called off early this morning due to wild weather conditions.
The Westpac rescue helicopter and an ASMA aircraft have joined the search efforts.
Tasmania Police said they hold grave concerns for the man’s welfare due to rough seas and low water temperatures.
UPDATE – 8:07am Friday, September 3
Rescue crews are assessing if weather conditions will allow them to resume a search for a fisherman who is missing in rough seas off Flinders Island overnight.
He was reported missing around 8pm.
The vessel the man fell overboard from is currently sheltering from weather south of Babel Island around 32km west from where he went missing, Tasmania Police say.
11:05pm Thursday, September 2
A desperate search for a missing sailor lost overboard in rough seas off Flinders Island is underway.
The crew member, a man, was reported missing about 8pm and despite efforts by the crew of the fishing vessel and emergency service response aircraft, has not been located.
Police said weather conditions in the area were poor with strong winds, cool water temperatures and two-metre swells.
Tasmania Police, in co-operation with the Australian Marine Safety Authority, are conducting the search.
Fire on Tasmania’s West Coast sees campsite evacuated
UPDATE 8am Friday, September 3
Tasmania Fire crews have returned to the scene of a vegetation fire south of the Strahan Airport on Friday morning.
Six units attended the blaze overnight which is now under control.
Fireys will remain on scene to dampen hot spots.
10:05pm Thursday, September 2
A fire on Tasmania’s West Coast has resulted in the evacuation of a campground.
Tasmania Police said it and the Tasmania Fire Service attended a vegetation fire on Button Grass Plains, south of the Strahan Airport, after 5.50pm on Thursday.
The Swan Basin Campgrounds were evacuated as a precaution and the fire is still active, with police providing traffic management on Macquarie Heads Rd.
A short time earlier, emergency services attended a separate fire in Peters St, Queenstown after a burn-off being conducted by the landowner got out of control.
Due to warm temperatures and high winds in the area at the time, the fire spread up the hill adjacent to Peters St.
Authorities said it was a reminder to exercise caution when attempting to undertake controlled burn offs, with landowners encouraged to seek advice prior to doing them.
Man’s death after being trapped under bus – Thursday, September 2
A man has died after becoming trapped while working under the carriage of a bus in southern Tasmania.
Police and other emergency services remain at the scene of the incident in Bagdad.
Police said the man’s next of kin had been advised.
WorkSafe Tasmania will investigate and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Mount Wellington rescue – 2am Wednesday, September 1
Police have urged bushwalkers to prepare for all conditions heading into Spring after two hikers were rescued from Mt Wellington on Wednesday night.
The pair called emergency services around 5:50pm after becoming lost while walking from The Springs to the Disappearing Tarn.
After spending hours in the dark in cold conditions two search and rescue teams found the duo around 9pm before they were walked out to safety at 2am.
Although days are due to get warmer and longer Senior Constable Callum Herbet has reminded hikers that temperatures in September can still reach sub zero.
“When walking in elevated areas the temperature can change quickly. The day may be warm and fine when commencing a walk but change rapidly as weather patterns move through and light reduces.”
As mobile phone batteries don’t last as long in the cold Tasmania Police are urging walkers to not rely on digital devices for navigation and instead carry physical maps.
“Some rescue missions could have been prevented if people had been better prepared. Being well prepared makes for an enjoyable time walking,” said Constable Herbet.
“Police want everyone to enjoy Tasmania’s wilderness safely.”
Tasmania Police’s Bushwalking Tips:
- Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.
- Research the intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.
- Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.
- Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and a PLB and consider a portable charger to extend battery life.
Moonah House Fire – 12:50pm Thursday, September 2
A light bulb caused a Moonah man’s house to catch on fire while he was out visiting the dentist earlier today.
Raymond, who asked for his last name not to be published, got the shock of his life when his neighbour Robbie called to tell him his house was on fire.
He rushed back to his house on Highfield Street to find firefighters battling the blaze.
Raymond said they did an “amazing” job putting the fire out so quickly.
“I was expecting the worst. It could’ve been a shocker. I’m relieved that I didn’t burn the whole place down,” Raymond said.
“A bit of fabric ignited. It was too close to a light bulb, I think. I forgot to switch off a light bulb. That’s it in a nutshell, as near as I understand.”
The fire could have been a whole lot worse had it not been for his neighbour Robbie Gilligan, who spotted the fire and called the fire station.
“I was just out there showing my boy how to cut the hedge and then I saw the smoke coming out the vents above the door,” Mr Gilligan said.
I couldn’t see any fire, but I could tell the wind was circulating it in the house because I could see it coming out both vents and the door itself. I thought, oh god.”
Mr Gilligan said this was the second time his neighbour’s house had caught fire. The first was back in his hometown in Scotland.
Senior constable Richard Verney said nobody was harmed in the Moonah fire.
“About 12.42pm today police were called to a fire here at Highfield Street. Neighbours have rung the fire in saying they could see smoke coming from the residence,” Constable Verney said.
“A minor fire has started underneath the property on the first floor of the unit, possibly caused by a light bulb being too close to some fabric. Estimation of damage is about $5000.”
The road was closed off, but has since been cleared for traffic.
Parliament House protest – 1pm Tuesday, August 31
A conspiracy theorist has been arrested outside Tasmanian parliament today after repeatedly demanding police to let him into the building.
The man was one of several dozen protesters who were demonstrating outside parliament while handing out conspiracy theory material to passersby.
Before his arrest, the man had been waving a bible around on the steps of parliament and asking police to arrest the politicians inside parliament.
Police did not comply with this request.
After refusing to leave the premises several times, the man was arrested and taken away by police. At time of writing, he was the only person arrested.
The Mercury spoke to several of the protesters, some of whom expressed anti-vaccine, anti-lockdown, and general anti-politician sentiments.
Some of the protesters expressed their belief that coronavirus was a hoax made up by the government.
In material handed out by the protesters, they make references to “mass genocide of mankind”, “filthy Freemasons”, and fluoride in the water.
Police have been contacted for comment.
Earlier: Police have lined the doors of Hobart’s Parliament House after protesters surrounded the building advocating for ‘their rights’ over Covid.
Police sting to crack down on dirtbikers in Wellington Park – August 31
AN inter-agency sting has seen off-road motorbike riders fined in Hobart’s Wellington Park.
The crackdown on illegal biking was conducted by the Wellington Park Management Trust, Tasmania parks and Wildlife and Tasmania Police.
Offroad motorbikes are not allowed to be ridden inside the park.
Unmarked trail bikes, drones and a 4WD ute were used as part of the joint operation to find and intercept offending riders.
Senior Sergeant Justin Lawson said while it was best if education changed behaviours, bikers could be fined $259.50 on the spot for riding in the park or $3460 if convicted of an offence in court.
“It is an offence to ignore signs and ride around gates and fire trails are designed for emergency vehicles, not trail bikes,” Sgt lawson said.
“The damage caused by these bikes can make it difficult for emergency services to access areas for medical evacuation or in a wildfire emergency, and police intend on policing this activity more frequently.”
Information regarding unlawful riding of motorcycles in Wellington Park or elsewhere can be reported to police on 131 444 or through Crime Stoppers anonymously.
15 drivers caught speeding in Tasmania’s midlands – 1pm Tuesday, August 31
Tasmania Police are urging drives to slow down after 15 motorists including three P-Platers copped hundreds of dollars in fines after they were caught speeding in Tasmania’s midlands over the weekend.
Multiple drivers including two provisional licence holders were fined $519 and lost five demerit points for travelling nearly 35km/h over the speed limit on the Midland Highway near Oatlands.
The other P-Plater was clocked driving 27km/h over the limit and was fined $302 and lost three demerit points.
Senior Sergeant John Parker said speeding was one of the top contributors to serious and fatal crashes.
“Speed limits exist for a reason, and anyone who drives above the legal limit is putting themselves and others at serious risk.” he said.
“Please slow down and drive to the conditions so we can prevent any more lives being lost on our roads.”
26 people have lost their lives on Tasmanian roads so far this year – three more than this time last year.
Firearm amnesty for Southern Tasmania – Tuesday, August 31
Tasmania Police and Crime Stoppers are holding another firearm amnesty in southern Tasmania this weekend, calling on people to hand in unwanted or illegal firearms and ammunition.
Senior Sergeant Ben Duffey said he also encourages those in possession of weapons that imitate firearms such as gelblasters to surrender them.
The operation will be conducted at Sorell Memorial Hall between 10am to 2pm on Saturday.
“If anyone is unable or uncomfortable transporting items themselves, they can attend the Sorell Memorial Hall and speak to our officers, or phone their local police station, and police will organise collection.” said Senior Sergeant Ben Duffey.
Authorities are asking those that wish to attend the amnesty to drive up to the station, leave their items in their car and walk up and speak to officers on site who will retrieve the weapons.
Crime Stoppers has been running a National Illegal Firearms campaign since July across the country which has seen numerous weapons handed in over the last month.
Anyone who knows anything about illegal firearms in the community is encouraged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously online at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
Car falls into water at Hobart waterfront – Monday, August 30
5pm: WITNESSES watched in shock as a ute veered off Davey St and into the water at Victoria Dock on Monday afternoon.
The Graham family, from Campbell Town, was staying at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, across the road from the incident, when they heard the crash.
“We heard the screech of brakes, we heard the crunch of cars hitting,” Gary Graham said.
“By the time we looked out the window and realised what was going on we saw the four-wheel-drive come up across the footpath and go into the water.”
Nicole Graham said the driver was “in real shock”.
“He looked like he was spaced out,” she said.
Police are investigating the incident.
Acting Sergeant David Summers, who arrived shortly after the incident, said the male driver was the only occupant of the vehicle.
“He’s obviously recovering, he’s been taken to the Royal Hobart in an ambulance,” he said.
“He’s conscious and speaking so minor injuries at this stage.”
Onlooker Tom Darke was one of two men who rescued the driver after the vehicle plunged into the water.
“The gentleman was in the fourth lane but he’s come across and hit the back of an ABC white X-Trail and gone straight into the water,” Mr Darke said.
“From that point the car was floating.“
It was then that Mr Darke sprang into action, jumping onto the bonnet of the car.
“We could see the man in there,” Mr Darke said.
“I was on top of the bonnet, and just told him to kick the window in. He kicked the window in and I held onto him by his hood.
“The other gentleman lifted him into the life ring – it was very quick.”
Mr Darke jumped back onto the jetty and pulled the man – who he described as “big” – to safety.
“My heart was beating very fast,” Mr Darke said.
“It’s something you don’t see every day.”
Sergeant Summers said the man was very lucky.
“If the people nearby hadn’t assisted, who knows what might have happened,” he said.
A crane arrived on the scene at 3.30pm and pulled the vehicle out of the water.
“It’s an environmental hazard, there is oil and fuel inside the vehicle and if we can contain that as much as we can, that will be of benefit to the environment,” Sergeant Summers said.
3.50pm: A car that fell into Victoria Dock early on Monday afternoon has been pulled from the water.
A large crane arrived at the scene about 3.30pm and lifted the vehicle out of the water just before 4pm.
Police said the male driver of the vehicle was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital. It is believed he sustained minor injuries in the incident.
EARLIER: A car has plunged into the water on Hobart’s waterfront.
Tasmania Police was called to the scene of the single-vehicle incident where the car fell into the water at Victoria Dock, opposite the Grand Chancellor, near Hobart’s CBD.
Police said the driver was rescued by two bystanders who pulled the man from the sinking vehicle.
Police have asked drivers to avoid the scene while it is cleared.
More to come …
George Town fire – Monday, August 30
A discarded cigarette butt is to blame for a fire that broke out at a George Town house on Monday morning.
Fire crews were called to the Mary Street house around 6:45am after the occupant noticed a small fire in the back porch. They contacted Tasmania Fire Service via triple-0 (000), before closing doors to the inside of the house and evacuating outside.
According to TFS, the first crew from George Town brigade arrived within minutes to find the back porch well alight and moved quickly to bring the fire under control. Crews were reportedly able to prevent damage tot he main house.
“The occupant of the house had the presence of mind to close the doors from the porch to the main house which helped reduce the spread of the fire and smoke damage before fire crews arrived,” said Acting Station Officer Roger Brown.
“The house was fitted with working smoke alarms, so whether this fire happened at night or during the day, the occupants would have been alerted to allow them to evacuate safely.
“People should ensure cigarette butts are fully extinguished before disposing of them, and never dispose of them in a flammable container.”
Investigations determined the cigarette butt that started the fire was discarded in a plastic bin at midnight and smouldered until it eventually caught the bin alight early this morning.
TFS said one person was treated for mild smoke inhalation at the scene.
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