Fresh evacuation warning as bushfire out of control and threatening homes

A bushfire that has already destroyed several homes has flared out of control again, with a fresh evacuation warning issued for the Aussie town.

Residents have been told to leave immediately after a bushfire on Tasmania’s east coast, that was downgraded earlier on Monday, again burns out of control, threatening homes and lives.

The evacuation warning is specific for the area around Yellow Sandbanks Rd, Dolphin Sands with burning embers threatening properties before the arrival of the main fire.

Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) is in the area, but conditions are expected to worsen across the afternoon.

Burning embers are expected to threaten homes in advance of the main body of the fire and those in the area are being warned that smoke and ash from the blaze will make it difficult to see and breath.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Swansea Town Hall for Dolphin Sands residents fleeing the blaze.

Homes had already been destroyed and residents evacuated as a result of the fire before it was downgraded Monday morning.

Residents of Dolphin Sands were alerted to the fire on Sunday night, with a community meeting announced for 3pm Monday where TFS representatives will meet with residents to discuss what happens next.

TFS confirmed properties had been destroyed overnight, with two houses and a shed going up in flames but it is expected that more buildings had been impacted by the fire.

Destruction left by a bushfire in Dolphin Sands, Tasmania. Picture: DPFEM

TFS chief officer Jeremy Smith said the fire had been “contained” on Monday morning but the area was still at risk.

“The warning is now at watch an act and that was downgraded at approximately 6.30am,” he said.

“However, there’s still a lot of work to do. It’s currently about 120 hectares, but it’s burning in coastal heath and it’s a very difficult area to get to, to fully extinguish.

“We have aerial assets assigned to the fire looking at both water bombing and ensuring that all the intel was gathered, and our crews can respond accordingly.”

Responders head towards the Dolphin Sands bushfire. Picture: DPFEM

Mr Smith said the fire was a warning for people to be vigilant even in low fire danger conditions.

“It is a timely reminder for all Tasmanians to ensure they are prepared for bushfire,” he said.

“It wasn’t extreme or even high fire danger ratings for an occurrence on the east coast. It was a wind driven event.”

Mr Smith was noncommittal when asked if the fire starting in those conditions meant it could have been deliberately lit.

“Look the potential cause, it needs to be investigated thoroughly,” he said. “We don’t want to make a comment until we get all the facts.”

A statement released by TFS earlier on Monday morning said overnight conditions had helped calm the blaze but it was yet to be brought under control.

Fire rages at Dolphin Sands. Picture: DPFEM

“This morning a comprehensive impact assessment of all properties in the affected area will be undertaken as a priority. Overnight, Tasmania Police deployed drones to assist with the assessments,” the statement read.

“The fire was reported at 6pm and moved rapidly in the strong winds. The weather moderated overnight, which assisted with slowing the spread of the fire.

“However, the fire is not yet under control and firefighting continued overnight with 14 fire trucks and 30 career and volunteer firefighters battling the blaze.”

The statement also said that residents had been evacuated.

“A total of 24 people who gathered at the Dolphin Sands boat ramp at the end of the spit have been safely escorted from the area a short time ago. Tasmania Police remained with the group throughout the night,” it said.

[e-mail] | @JordoMc85