Orielton residents warned of fast-moving, uncontrollable fire

UPDATED: Several houses at Campania and Orielton have had a narrow escape from fast-moving blaze started in scorching heat.

Bushfire at Fingerpost Road Orielton. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

UPDATED, 9PM: SEVERAL houses at Campania and Orielton have had a narrow escape after sparks from a ride-on lawnmower started a fast-moving blaze in scorching heat.

Flames lapped at the back fences of properties on Fingerpost Rd Saturday afternoon as dozens of firefighters raced to protect homes in tough conditions.

Bushfire at Fingerpost Road Orielton. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Water being dumped from a helicopter onto spot fires. Bushfire at Fingerpost Road Orielton. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The bushfire broke out about 2.30pm, with an emergency warning issued for Orielton, northeast of Hobart, only 20 minutes later.

Up to 20 fire crews and water bombing aircraft managed to divert the blaze from destroying homes and brought it under control within an hour.

Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Chris Arnol said Saturday’s fire highlights why restrictions are put in place on bad fire days.

“Even something as seemingly harmless as mowing grass can cause a very serious situation,” he said.

“On days of total fire ban anyone who starts a fire, or causes a fire to be lit, is committing an offence.”

He said during Saturday’s total fire ban, operating machinery among dry vegetation was prohibited and people were asked to reconsider their use of domestic machinery.

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Mr Arnol said a number of homes were threatened by the rapid spread of the fire, which started near the Orielton go kart course, but water bombing aircraft were able to slow the fire’s speed and allow ground crew time to protect the properties.

Elsewhere across the state, the Gell River and Riveaux Rd blazes saw increased smoke and fire activity due to the hot and windy conditions, but there were no reports of significant spread.

UPDATED, 3.45PM: The fast-moving bushfire heading towards Orielton, northeast of Hobart, has been controlled.

The bushfire alert message was downgraded to advice just after 4.30pm.

Tasmania Fire Service said there was no longer an immediate threat to life or property.

“Well prepared homes are defendable in these conditions,” the TFS said.

“If you are not prepared for a bushfire, think about leaving for a safe place if it gets more dangerous.”

The fire broke out at Fingerpost Rd about 2.30pm and quickly moved southeast towards the township.

About a dozen TFS vehicles were seen heading towards Orielton from Cambridge soon after the blaze started, while smoke could be seen billowing into the air from a nearby cricket oval.

Tasmania Police said Fingerpost Rd would be closed between Colebrook Rd, Campania, and the Tasman Highway at Orielton until further notice.

People in Orielton should keep up to date by listening to ABC Local Radio or the TFS website.

EARLIER: A bushfire watch and act alert has been issued for Orielton, north of Sorell.

The Tasmania Fire Service says a bushfire on Fingerpost Rd, near the kart track will put Orielton residents at risk.

Just before 3pm on Saturday the fire was issued as an Emergency Warning, the highest alert given by the Tasmanian Fire Service. Not long afterwards the alert was downgraded.

The fire service said homes that were well prepared for severe risk fires, and that could be actively defended, should provide shelter.

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People who do not live near Orielton are asked to stay away.

Fingerpost Rd is closed between Colebrook Rd, Campania and the Tasman Highway at Orielton because of fire activity.

The emergency warning was issued just before 3pm.

For the latest information, monitor the Tasmania Fire Service website or listen to ABC local radio.