Campers evacuated as crews battle North East bushfire

As crews continue to battle a blaze in Tasmania’s North East, several campers have been evacuated from the area. Read the latest on the bushfire.

A bushfire burning at Tomahawk. Image: Tasmania Fire Service.

Fire crews are confident a blaze burning in the state’s north east will not reach the township of Tomahawk, but are reminding all in the area to remain vigilant.

This morning an emergency warning was issued for the Waterhouse Conservation Area, Ransons Beach, West Beach, but that’s since been downgraded.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service incident controller Robert Buck said crews were working to create containment lines around the fire.

“Crews are working off Homestead Road and clearing paddocks south of the fire,” Mr Buck said.

“We’ve got the fire moving towards the beach. Nothing is under threat at this point in time.

“The fire is at a reasonably slow speed, giving our crews time to tie in the edges at both paddocks and in the Homestead Road area.”

Tasmania Fire Service northern regional chief Jeff Harper said the cause of the fire was not yet determined.

Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service incident controller Robert Buck, and Tasmania Fire Service northern regional chief Jeff Harper discuss the fire in the Waterhouse Conservation Area. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

He said several had campers had been evacuated.

“There are concerns the fire will spread to Homestead Road, which is the only way in and out of the conservation area,” he said.

“There is no evacuation centre established, and people are being escorted to Waterhouse Road.”

Mr Harper said fire crews were “very confident” the fire would not reach the township of Tomahawk.

“Since Parks and Wildlife have come in, they’ve commenced doing backburning containment lines around the property to facilitate later burning,” he said.

“We’ve downgraded the two warnings to just watch and acts. So that means that there is no threat to people, but we ask that people stay informed and stay vigilant around what’s happening.”

Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark advised the public to avoid the area while the fire was being managed and continue to listen to emergency warnings.

“A lot of campers up there were in small, private, secluded spots, but we’re very confident that everyone has been contacted and everyone has been removed from the area,” Inspector Clark said.

“The key message is that a lot of fire work is being done up there, so we asked people not to go into the area.

“My advice is when you go camping in bushfire season, be aware of what’s happening around you, how you can leave, and keep abreast of any emergency warnings.”

Watch and act bushfire warning for Waterhouse Conservation Area

February 14, 1:15pm: Fire crews are still working to contain a bushfire in Tasmania’s North East, which earlier prompted a warning that residents evacuate the area.

A watch and act warning is in place for the Waterhouse Conservation Area, Ransons Beach, West Beach and surrounds. Those in the area are urged to act now and be ready to leave, but to only travel if it is safe to do so.

Residents are also advised to monitor changing conditions and beware of embers, smoke and ash.

Others are urged to avoid the areas.

Meanwhile fire crews say there is no immediate threat for the Tomahawk and surrounding areas, which is currently at an advice level.

The Tasmania Fire Service says at an advice level, homes are defendable, but those in the area should be prepared to go to a safer place if conditions worsen.

Waterhouse Conservation Area evacuation as bushfire burns out of control

February 14, 9:30am: Those in the Waterhouse Conservation Area, Ransons Beach, West Beach and surrounds at Tomahawk have been urged to evacuate, as a bushfire burns out of control.

An emergency warning was issued for the area in the state’s north east, as fire crews work to extinguish the blaze.

On Thursday morning Tasmania Fire Service said there were 16 vehicles responding, along with six rotary aircraft and two planes.

“The fire was reported shortly after 4am, and was observed to be quite large,” Tasmania Fire Service northern regional chief Jeff Harper said.

Tasmania Fire Service northern regional chief Jeff Harper. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

“At this stage it’s not known how the fire started.

“Fire crews have been evacuating campers from the area, as there are concerns the fire will spread to Homestead Road which is the only way in and out of the conservation area.”

An evacuation centre has not yet been established, but there are safe places located at Bridport and Gladstone.

Mr Harper said it was believed the blaze would be under control before reaching Tomahawk.

A bushfire burning at Tomahawk. Image: Tasmania Fire Service.

Dorset Council commissioner Andrew Wardlaw said 16 people were evacuated from the Waterhouse Conservation Area.

“The main concern is for the safety of residents and visitors, but I have been advised they’ve been evacuated and are on their way to a safe place,” Mr Wardlaw said.

“The council is on standby, and we’re ready to assist when required.

“We will work closely with authorities over the course of the day as the situation progresses, but we are confident that the TFS will have the situation under control.”

For up-to-date information, visit the TasAlert website.

Originally published as Campers evacuated as crews battle North East bushfire