Dire warning for residents near bushfires: ‘People should consider leaving’
UPDATE 9.20pm: The Tasmania Fire Service says severe conditions are expected to remain well into the night, as erratic fire activity proves challenging for fire crews. WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE, LATEST PICTURES
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UPDATE 9.20pm: THE Tasmania Fire Service says severe conditions are expected to remain well into the night, as erratic fire activity proves challenging for fire crews.
Fire weather conditions reached severe in some parts of the state today with several fires breaking containment lines, including the Great Pine Tier fire which is suspected to have doubled in size to around 40,000 ha.
The TFS advised of overnight severe conditions in parts of the state including the East Coast after 10 new fires started today, four of which are still burning, with the cause of the blazes unknown.
In a statement the TFS said three fires at Riveaux Road/Tahnune, Great Pine Tier in the Central Highlands and Western Hills on the West Coast continue to put communities at risk.
The TFS advised people who are planning camping and day trips this long weekend to cancel arrangements as it is not safe to camp in areas surrounded by bush.
Four emergency warnings remain in place, three for Great Pine Tier in the CEntral Plateau and one for near the Tahune Airwalk.
See the full list of alerts on the Tasmania Fire Service website
UPDATE, 5.15pm: Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Chris Arnol has urged Tasmanians to remain vigilant into the evening.
“It remains hot, windy and the fuels are incredibly dry in this state right now. We’ve still got a long way to go today and we can’t underestimate the situation that we are in. There is a significant amount of fire in the landscape. And we can’t let our guard down.
“We have still 56 active fires – 30 of them are going. That means they are not contained and we said they would be breaking their containment lines today. Very high and severe conditions will remain well into the night.”
“The conditions will not really abate until well into the evening for the hot conditions today. And behind that we’ve still got very high fire dangers that come with the winds. And we’ve got potential for dry lightning. So that could give us new ignitions.”
Tasmania Fire Service district officer Andrew McGuinness says the firefight has a way to go yet.
“Unfortunately, the Gell River fire broke its lines today. So it’s crossed the Gordon River and it’s taken a run through the Gordon Plains as I understand it, which is a little bit of a concern because we’ve got some heritage values in the Adamsfield Conservation area.
“So no doubt there’ll be crews in there over the next 48 hours trying to shore up those areas. So that fire would be now in excess of 20,000 hectares and to the north of it we’ve got the fire on the Central Plateau that’s developing and there’s likely to be 20,000 hectares – if not already – in the very near future.
“So that means within a very close proximity to one another we’ve got two really big fires burning in largely inaccessible areas. And, yeah, we’re sort of going to have to wait for Mother Nature essentially to look after those.”
Of the Tahune fire, he said: “Information from ground crews there is that the Geeveston fire has behaved itself relatively well today. It hasn’t taken a hard run. It has thrown out spot fires in a number of locations to the southern end of the fire. But essentially it hasn’t taken a hard run. The Huon His ighway still open so people can still traverse through there.
“And the Zeehan fire appears to no longer threaten the town.
“It’s taken a run and crossed the Heemskirk Road which is closed. However it hasn’t taken a run into Zeehan. It’s likely that the westerly change will push the fire back on itself. And as such it’s unlikely that Zehan is going to be impacted but again I would suggest that people in those areas need to remain vigilant. They need to remain alert because thin,gs can change really quickly.
“The fire did take a short run in an easterly direction towards the Murchison Highway but as I understand it the Murchison Highway has been closed and people should just remain alert to any possible changes.”
UPDATE, 4.45pm: THE Lyell Highway into Queestown has been closed because of fire with residents told the only available route out of the town is the Anthony Link Rd.
On the West Coast, emergency warnings remain in place for Zeehan and Renison Bell with watch and act alets at Trial Harbour, Rosebery, Mt Heemskirk Regional Reserve and surrounds, and Lynch Hill, Pieman Road and Reece Dam to the west.
Elsewhere around the state, emergency warnings are in effect for: Castle Forbes Bay, Geeveston, Port Huon, Cairns Bay and Waterloo; Waddamana, Hilltop and Penstock Lagoon; Bronte Park Area, Pine Tier Lagoon and London Lakes; Shannon; Lake Echo and surrounds; and Liawenee.
UPDATE 3.15pm: Severe weather conditions are expected to keep firefighters busy across Tasmania well into the night, says Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Chris Arnol.
Addressing reporters at a 3pm briefing, he said 56 fires remained active.
“It remains hot, windy and the fuel (loads) are incredibly dry,” Mr Arnol said.
“We still have a long way to go today and we can’t underestimate the situation we are in.
“We can’t let our guard down.”
He said three fires remained a priority — the Tahune fire near Geeveston, the Central Highlands blaze, and the fire near Zeehan on the West Coast.
“A total fire ban still remains in place.
“We still have to keep our eye on the ball and not get complacent.
“We have hit severe fire conditions today. We know it is on the cusp of us not being able to contain fires.
“The (cold) front is only half way across the state, so there is still more to come … particularly on the East Coast.”
Three structures had been lost in the fires, Mr Arol said, but there was no suggestion of any injuries or fatalities.
Bureau of Meteorology acting state manager Simon McCulloch said the mercury had risen to 40.1C at Hobart airport today, with Friendly Beach on the East Coast jumping to 38C.
The winds, which had been a little bit flukey today, had picked up around the southeast this afternoon.
Mr McCulloch said the winds were expected to continue as a cold front crept in.
“The good news is that cooler conditions are developing for tomorrow.”
A STATE ABLAZE: Smoke from the Great Pine Tier bushfire continues to spread as strong winds sweep through the Central Plateau. Video shot from Highland Lakes Rd, Steppes. More bushfire news @themercurycomau pic.twitter.com/wn3yF8EnqD
— Chanel Kinniburgh (@ChanelKinni) January 25, 2019
UPDATE 2.15pm: Firefighters are responding to a fire at Primrose Sands in southern Tasmania.
The fire was reported at 1.15pm today, with three helicopters mobilised, along with tankers.
The extend of the fire is not known.
Fire is also impacting the Murchison Highway, south of Renison Bell on Tasmania’s West Coast.
The Tasmania Fire Service says residents in the area need to leave now and head south to the Queenstown Basketball Stadium, the Esplanade, in Queenstown.
“Fire under these conditions will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving,” the TFS said in a statement.
“A significant amount of ember, smoke and ash will be ahead of the fire front.
“Do not travel to the area as the roads will be highly dangerous.”
Maydena, Tyenna, Mount Field and National Park could also be at risk from the Gell River fire today, the TFS says.
“The fire has crossed the Gordon River and is progressing south towards Adamsfield,
“This fire may be difficult to control. There may be embers, smoke and ash falling on Maydena, Tyenna, Mount Field and National Park.”
The TFS urged those in the area to:
Start taking action now to protect your family and your home.
If you are not prepared for a bushfire, be ready to leave for a safer place.
If you don’t live near Maydena, Tyenna, Mount Field and National Park, stay away.
If your family have made a bushfire survival plan, use it now.
State Opposition leader Rebecca White today visited Bothwell with Lyons MP Jen Butler and member for Derwent Craig Farrell to donate a $500 cheque towards the operation and costs of the local evacuation centre for those displaced by the Central Highlands fire.
“The parliamentary Labor Party’s made a donation of $500, which will assist to ease some of the financial pressure on council, helping people who may need to recharge their phone or put fuel in their car and maybe even buy clothes, because all they have escaped with during the evacuation has been what they’re wearing,” Ms White said.
“We know it’s not everything but hopefully we’ll make a little bit of difference and support people particularly today and over the next couple of days.”
Central Highlands Mayor Loueen Triffitt said the council was “really busy”.
“There’s a lot going on at the moment. First and foremost the Central Highlands community are our priority and we are working together to have both the Bothwell and Hamilton evacuation centres open,” she said.
“I haven’t got the total tally but a lot of people have come through Bothwell, and Hamilton is very very busy at the moment.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our community and the way in which they’re working together. “We’ve even had people come in and offer their own homes.”
Cr Triffitt encouraged asthmatics living in the Central Highlands struggling with the presence of smoke to stay inside with the doors shut or to visit an evacuation centre, where they can be referred for medical or psychological assistance.
Every Telstra telephone box in the Central Highlands had also been made free by the network.
“I just want to thank everyone that’s been involved. It’s been very hard. It still is,” Cr Triffitt said.
“We do not know what’s going to happen in the next 24 hours. We’ve just got our fingers crossed for today and we’re praying it all goes well. I would say this has united the community more than ever.”
UPDATE 2pm: An emergency warning has been issued for the Lake Echo area because of a bushfire burning there.
The Tasmania Fire Service says the fire will put Lake Echo and surrounds at very high risk within the next two to six hours.
Lake Echo is between Bronte Park and Waddamana in the Central Highlands.
“This fire will be uncontrollable. Burning embers, falling on Lake Echo and surrounds will threaten your home before the main fire. Smoke and ash will make it difficult to see and breathe,” the warning says.
People in the area were warned to leave unless their home was prepared for very high fire risk and they were prepared to defend it.
There is an evacuation centre at Hamilton Community Hall and a nearby safer place at Hamilton.
The TFS said: “If your family has made a bushfire survival plan, use it now. If you don’t live near Lake Echo and surrounds, stay away.”
Miena resident Cindy Branch, who works at the Great Lake Hotel in the Central Highlands, evacuated to Bothwell on Monday.
“I thought my life was more valuable than my job and home,” she said.
“My daughter and my son kept begging me, saying ‘get out mum, please’.
“The smoke was the worst, when I got down here my eyes were red.
“I’ve got photos and some personal stuff in the car but that’s it. The thought of going home to nothing is a scary feeling but if it happens it happens, there’s no stopping it.”
Ms Branch said evacuation centre staff had continued to keep her updated on the fire situation.
“The people at the evacuation centre have been fantastic,” she said.
“The firefighters have also been fantastic.”
UPDATE 1.30pm: Zeehan residents have again been told to leave their homes because of an out-of-control bushfire burning just north of the town on Tasmania’s West Coast.
Tasmania Police issued the advice to residents living north of Nike Creek, saying the fire could put homes at risk this afternoon.
Police are helping people who are choosing to leave the area and directing them to the evacuation centre in Queenstown.
“It’s chaos, it’s pretty bad but emergency services are doing a fantastic job. I haven’t seen things potentially this bad since the 1980s†Scott Butler, disaster coordinator at west coast council. He’s managing an evac centre in queenstown for 100+ppl #tasfires @abchobart pic.twitter.com/KCAD23yZwy
— Henry Zwartz (@henryzwartz) January 25, 2019
It is likely that Zeehan will be impacted by significant smoke and ash and visibility will
become more difficult during the next few hours.
“People who are elderly, infirm, or have respiratory issues, in particular, should leave,” police said.
“Anyone who chooses to stay in Zeehan is asked to put their bushfire survival plan into
action.”
Roads into Zeehan are closed and people leaving should drive to the conditions by
slowing down and putting their headlights on.
Meanwhile, Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service state fire manager Paul Black has urged people to avoid entering close tracks or remote areas until the fire crisis has passed and the all clear given.
There may be serious bushfires across #tasmania but these three west coast boys are happy to practice #footy at the famous gravel oval in Queenstown #tasfires Mt Owen should be seen in the background but is covered with smoke @abchobart there is an evac centre in the town. pic.twitter.com/Dwuf7MGdL3
— Henry Zwartz (@henryzwartz) January 25, 2019
“Walking in those areas at this time he is quite risky from the point of view of personal safety of the people walking in those areas - not just from the point of view that they might be overrun by fire, but are also going to be subject to quite a lot of smoke as well which is not good for their health.
“And there’s also the heat stress that can occur from that.
“The other thing that they need to take into consideration is if we do need to act and move people in those areas to relocate people then they’re diverting significant resources from our firefighting effort and we prefer people not to do that.
UPDATE 1pm: Tasmania Fire Service district officer Andrew McGuinness says the fire burning near Geeveston is expected to impact on areas south-east of the Hartz Range.
“As I understand it it’s highly unlikely that Geeveston will be cut off,” he said.
“There are two schools of thought in relation to that fire. One is that the fire will take its southerly run down through the Hartz mountains.
“If that’s the case it’s unlikely to impact on communities although in saying that there are some remote homes in that area so they could come under attack.
“That’s the best possible scenario if the fire takes a run in a south-easterly direction towards areas such as Glendevie and Police Point.
“It’s highly likely that the fire will impact on the Huon Highway.
“The Huon Highway remains open for people to travel.
“However if the fire impacts on that highway, it’s highly likely it’s going to be closed and closed for an extended period.
“So people just need to bear that in mind when they’re making decisions about whether they’re going to stay or go.
“That could very well be trapped in there for extended period of time.”
He said the alternate possibility was that the fire could move east, which would impact on Geeveston and surrounds.
Echoing earlier comments from TFS chief officer Chris Arnol, Mr McGuiness strongly urged people to leave fire-affected areas before it was too late.
“The challenge from emergency services is to provide people with the best possible information so that they can make an educated decision on whether they stay or go,” he said.
“Certainly our advice to them is that they should go.
“It’s too late when the fire’s in your backyard to be making decisions that I’ve got to go.
“It’s a timely reminder that in [the Victorian Black Saturday fires] 2009 there were a significant amount of people that died on the roads when they made really poor decisions to evacuate at the last minute.
“Trees come down across the roads power line infrastructure comes down and people get trapped.
“It’s not a really good spot to be.”
He urged people to be aware of changing conditions.
“There’ll be a lot of people around the state today that will be inside with their curtains closed and their air-conditioning on.
“They need to be very much aware of what’s going on around them.
“Really good situational awareness today is really important. It’s too late when the fires on your back doorstep to be making decisions.”
UPDATE 12.30pm: Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Chris Arnol has urged people near active fires to leave early as the next few hours are expected to be extremely tough.
“We’ve got severe fire conditions already but we are now facing extreme today so it’s elevated further than yesterday,” he said.
“The best thing that people can do is leave early.
“That’s the safest possible thing to do. There will be extremely strong winds and temperatures, meaning that fires will move very quickly today.
“Add the potential for embers to travel over 10km and to be landing all around people.”
He said the next few hours would be extremely tough.
“We’re going to still have difficulty containing fires if they are new starts and we have pre-positioned fire crews aircraft and the like to attack fires rapidly if we have new ignitions.
“We are continuing while we can with aircraft and fire crews unless conditions become untenable for us to continue our fire operations.
Temperatures are still rising over parts of #Tasmania. Highest so far, Campania with 38.5°C. Cool change has moved through Strahan though (currently 22°C). Northwesterly winds are still expected to be gusty this afternoon in the south and east. https://t.co/89tUjpsH2x pic.twitter.com/0KIWCDGlHC
— Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania (@BOM_Tas) January 25, 2019
“We will continue to attack fires that exist on the ground. We are expecting and have seen some fires already break containment lines.”
He urged people not to visit bushland areas or to go camping.
“Cancel those planes go somewhere else to have a great weekend,” Mr Arol said.
“There’s plenty of events on around the state that you can enjoy. In extreme conditions, a camping area is not a place to be right now.”
Bureau of Meteorology acting state manager Simon McCulloch said warm temperatures were being experienced around the state, but the chances of dry lightning strikes had decreased.
“We are expecting perhaps around 20 or 30 per cent chance of some dry lightning across the state, which is a lower probability than what we were thinking yesterday,” he said.
Hot conditions about #Tasmania today, especially about the south and east. A cloud band to move over the state, with the chance of thunderstorms, mostly dry. Severe fire danger about the south and east, with very high fire danger about much of the rest of the state. pic.twitter.com/nXUtbcbAdj
— Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania (@BOM_Tas) January 24, 2019
But the danger for the state was not over yet.
“We will see more consistently stronger winds during the course of the afternoon,” he said.
Lunchtime temperatures reached 33.6C in Hobart and 34 in Campania.
Cooler conditions are expected to return tomorrow.
UPDATE 12.15pm: Temperatures and winds are rising rapidly in the Central Highlands prompting authorities to text residents with a fire emergency warning.
One Miena resident, who is staying at his shack said there had been a noticeable increase in wind and the was definitely “getting a lot warmer”.
He said he had received an emergency bushfire warning text from the TFS about 11.45am.
UPDATE 12pm: EVERYTasmanian should be on high alert for the risk of bushfire in their community today, Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Chris Arnol says.
He warned of continuing extreme fire danger around the state, with 56 active fires with a perimeter of more than 900km.
There are 500 firefighters in the field.
The three fires causing the greatest concern are near Miena in the Central Highlands, near Zeehan on the West Coast, and near Geeveston in southern Tasmania.
“We are now facing extreme fire conditions today,” Mr Arnol said.
“There will be extremely strong winds and high temperatures, meaning fires will move very quickly.
“It is going to get worse as the day progresses.
“We could have fires anywhere today.”
He urged people in areas near fires to leave early and said people should not venture into bushland areas at all today.
TFS Geeveston taskforce leader Andrew Skelly said resources had been pulled away from the Tahune fire front in thick bushland.
He said crews were waiting in the Geeveston area to protect lives and property.
“We’re more worried about new spot fires occurring from embers landing in and around the paddocks and closer to the township,” he said.
“If we do get a new start we’ll try and hit it with as many resources as we can, as quick as we can and hopefully put any new starts out.
“That’s why we’ve got these extra resources here.”
He said Geeveston fire brigade had three crews on standby and an extra eight crews had been brought in from across southern Tasmania in case something happened.
Among those volunteering to protect Geeveston are a father and son duo from Middleton.
Ex-brigade chief and leading firefighter Kevin Lawler and his son and current brigade chief Sam have arrived in Geeveston to help tackle anything that might start up.
The wind has started to ramp up, with the worst conditions expected to hit between 2 and 3pm this afternoon.
Wind speeds of 60 to 80km/h are predicted for some areas of the state today.
Two properties, including a fishing lodge near Miena and a shed at Tahune, have been confirmed lost to fire.
There have been no reported injuries.
Police urged motorists to turn their headlights if driving in smoke and to keep out of fire-affected areas.
UPDATE 11.30am: BUSHFIRE conditions have been elevated from “severe” to “extreme”, with the potential for embers to travel up to 10km — meaning people might not be able to save their homes.
Tasmania Fire Service chief Chris Arnol said there were 56 active fires, with 27 not controlled. The areas of highest concern at the Central Plateau, the West Coast and Geeveston.
The most concerning conditions in the south-east would be early afternoon, with Geeveston likely be under “ember attack” within hours. It was a similar situation at Zeehan, with residents already evacuating to safer surrounds in Queenstown about 40km away.
About 80 people from the Geeveston area have moved into an evacuation centre at Huonville, with concerned residents also relocating their animals to safety at Ranelagh Oval.
About 500 people are on the ground fighitng the fires, burning on 918km of fire edge.
It is believed two properties have been lost, with the details yet to be confirmed.
A huge cloud of black smoke is hanging over Waddamana as the Central Highlands bushfire continues to burn through thick forest on the west side of Lake Echo.
A road block remains at the end of Waddamanna Rd, stopping any traffic from travelling up the gravel track.
Farm men and women carrying dogs and tanks of water could be seen travelling out of the area earlier today.
Mother-of-four Rebecca Branch, whose husband works as a stockman at a rural property on the edge of Bothwell, said farmers had been on bulldozers preparing containment lines for some days.
“It’s a little bit daunting today because it’s going to be hot and windy and it could reach us,” she said
“The hubby and I have decided if it does reach us, we’re going to stay but we’ll send the kids away. ”
Ms Branch said she’d never seen the town surrounded by such heavy smoke before.
“If we were surrounded by more bushes, I’d leave,” she said.
“We’re trying not to panic. It will be scary but I don’t want to lose my stuff.”
“I work for the local Castle Hotel (in Bothwell) and the rooms are fully booked until Monday with people who evacuated from Miena.”
Ms Branch said any loss of property would be “huge” for agricultural businesses in the area.
“They’ll have to cart the sheep if it gets much closer,” she said.
“It will be scary for the animals.”
UPDATE 10.30am: Kingston, Margate, Dunalley and Middleton fire brigades have arrived in Geeveston to assist with the fight against a fierce blaze burning in thick bush west of the town.
An emergency warning is current for Geeveston and surrounds.
Ten TFS vehicles including tankers stood in readiness at town’s Fire Station this morning.
Conditions in Geeveston were warming up — with a temperature of 24C and light winds.
Many residents of the town have evacuated ahead of the impact of the fire.
Others, including Melanie Kikoudis said her family in Kermandie River Rd, have decided to stay and defend their properties.
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An emergency warning has also been issued for the Central Highlands fire which burned a popular fishing lodge to the ground at Miena earlier this week.
“There is a bushfire approaching the Bronte Park Area, Pine Tier Lagoon and London Lakes,” the TFS said in its latest alert.
“The fire will put Bronte Park Area, Pine Tier Lagoon and London Lakes at very high risk within two to six hours.
“This fire will be uncontrollable.”
“Burning embers, falling on Bronte Park Area, Pine Tier Lagoon and London Lakes will threaten your home before the main fire.
“Smoke and ash will make it difficult to see and breathe.”
At Zeehan, on the state’s West Coast, residents have started evacuating to Queenstown, about 40km away, as a fire bears down on the remote mining outpost.
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UPDATE 10.15am: Ash has started to fall on Geeveston, with police urging residents to get out early before the bushfire situation worsens.
An emergency warning has been issued for the southern Tasmanian town.
Melanie Kikoudis said her family would defend their Kermandie River Rd home.
“We’re as prepared as we need to be. We’ve been through fires before in Sydney,” she said.
The family has lived in Geeveston for the past 15 years.
She said they had set up a fire break around their house with a lanwmover and had filled the gutters with water.
Smoke has blanketed the valley in which they live.
The Tasmania Fire Service has issued updated emergency warnings for bushfires burning out of control in southern Tasmania and on the West Coast.
Zeehan residents are evacuating to Queenstown, while Geeveston residents are being urged by police to leave early ahead of the fire front.
The latest warning covers Castle Forbes Bay, Geevston, Port Huon, Cairns Bay and Waterloo.
“There is an uncontrolled bushfire at Riveaux Rd/Tahune Airwalk,” the warning reads.
“The fire is expected to put Castle Forbes Bay, Geevston, Port Huon, Cairns Bay and Waterloo at risk today.
“The fire danger will be severe. Fire under these conditions will be uncontrollable.
“Embers, smoke and ash falling on Castle Forbes Bay, Geevston, Port Huon, Cairns Bay and Waterloo could threaten your home earlier than the main fire.
The TFS says the safetst thing to do is leave well before the fire hits.
“If you are going to leave, make sure there is a clear road to a safer place,” the TFS warning says.
“There is an evacuation centre at Huonville PCYC, 42 Wilmot Rd, Huonville.
“Only strongly defended homes, made to be bushfire proof in severe conditions, can protect your life.
“Do not try to travel to the area as the roads could be highly dangerous.
“If you don’t live in the Huon Valley areas south of Huonville, stay away.”
Tasmania Police have asked Geeveston residents to take care on the roads if they choose to leave the area following the TFS emergency warning this morning.
Bushfires close to the town could put Geeveston at risk and the safest thing to do is to leave early, police said in a statement.
Tasmania Police Commander Tony Cerritelli said smoke, ash and embers were likely to affect visibility and motorists should slow down and put their headlights on.
“If you don’t need to be in Geeveston, we recommend you leave in a safe and orderly way,” Commander Cerritelli said.
A watch and act warning is also in place for Glaziers Bay, Wattle Grove, Petcheys Bay and Lymington, which also relates to the Tahune fire.
Other areas under threat include Surges Bay, Brooks Bay, Glendevie, Police Point, Surveyors Bay and Dover.
FOR THE LATEST ALERTS, VISIT THE TFS WEBSITE
The TFS earlier issued an updated bushfire emergency warning for Zeehan as residents of the West Coast town hit the road for safety at Queenstown.
It reads: “There is a bushfire at Lynch Hill, West Coast. This severe risk fire is expected to put Zeehan in danger within the next two hours. Fire under these conditions can be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Embers will be blown around and cause fires that will move quickly and come from many directions.”
The message advised of the following road closures:
Murchison Highway is closed at Zeehan Highway intersection heading north to Rosebery.
Murchison Highway is closed south to Rosebery at Anthony Rd intersection.
Tullah Henty Road is closed at the Strahan town boundary heading north to Zeehan.
Heemskirk Rd is closed to the north at Trial Harbour Rd
An emergency warning for the same fire also applies to nearby Renison Bell.
Watch and act alerts are current for Rosebery, Trial Harbour, Mt Heemskirk Regional Reserve and surrounds and Lynch Hill, Pieman Road and Reece Dam to the west.
Residents of Zeehan were warned to take immediate action in order to survive by implementing their bushfire survival plan.
“The safest thing to do is leave well before the fire impacts. If you are going to leave, make sure there is a clear road to a safer place. If safe to do so people can travel south to Queenstown or north to Waratah,” the message said.
An evacuation centre has been set up at the Queenston Sports Stadium, The Esplanade, Queenstown.
People were warned not to try to travel to the areas affected by the fire as the roads will be highly dangerous.
The Parks and Wildlife Service has added more track closures to the list, including PWS tracks and mountain bike trails in the Rosebery area because of the high fire risk in the region.
The tracks have been closed until further notice.
UPDATE 9.15am: Guests staying at Zeehan’s Heemskirk Hotel have been evacuated and the pub has closed as a bushfire looms dangerously close to the West Coast town.
“The hotel is closed but we are hanging on a bit longer,’” a spokeswoman at the hotel said this morning.
“I have just been told the fire is now 10km from town so how long we stay I cannot say.”
The Tasmania Fire Service has urged people to stay away from active bushfire zones and cancel plans to visit bushland areas this weekend.
There are 53 fires burning across the state this morning, 29 of those are categorised as being active. Fires have burned through 66,000ha.
There are 500 firefighters on the ground, including 145 from interstate and New Zealand.
TFS chief officer Chris Arnol has told ABC radio it is difficult to predict where the fires will spread today because of the range of wind directions.
“Today’s conditions will give us unpredictable or erratic fire behaviour,” he said.
In the case of an ember attack, Mr Arnol said small embers could get into a 3mm gap in a home.
“If you’ve got lots of those [small gaps], they could take hold of your home,” he said.
In an update issued this morning, the TFS said fire activity at the Lynch Hill fire on the West Coast has significantly increased and the fire was burning through buttongrass.
“Emergency warnings have been issued for Zeehan and Renison Bell areas. Emergency alert text messages have been sent out to those communities,” the update said.
“People in those areas who wish to leave early are asked to travel south to Queenstown and or north-east to Waratah and beyond.
“The best thing people can do in these conditions is to leave early because it is the safest possible thing to do. A fire under the expected conditions can move very quickly with the potential for embers starting fires up to 20km ahead.
“An evacuation centre is open at Queenstown Basketball Stadium.”
Communities in the Highland Lakes area were also reminded to stay on high alert, with emergency warnings in place for Shannon, Waddamana, Penstock Lagoon and Hilltop.
An evacuation centre is open at the Bothwell Town Hall.
An evacuation centre is also open at the Huonville PCYC for those affected by the fire in the Tahune area.
“Very high fire danger ratings are already being detected in central parts of the state around Liawenee and those ratings and fire activity are expected to increase across the state this morning,” the message said.
“People who are planning bush camping trips and day trips today and this Australia Day long weekend should cancel. In these extreme fire danger conditions, it is not safe to camp in areas surrounded by bush.”
Members of the community were advised to heed the total fire ban and to review their bushfire survival plans.
“If you don’t have a bushfire survival plan, decide now what you and your family will do if a fire breaks out in your area. If you decide to stay and defend your property, make sure you are physically and mentally prepared for this and be aware that in the predicted conditions, even properties you think you can defend will be undefendable.”
People were asked to report any new fires to TFS by calling triple-0 and to listen to ABC Local Radio and www.fire.tas.gov.au for the latest bushfire information and advice.
FOR THE LATEST ON ROAD CLOSURES, CLICK HERE
FOR THE LATEST FIRE WARNINGS, CLICK HERE
UPDATE 8.35am: An evacuation centre for Zeehan residents leaving town because of an approaching bushfire has been set up at the Queenstown Sports Stadium.
The West Coast Council has told those who cannot leave Zeehan the safest place to be is the recreation ground.
The council is also urging residents to check on their neighbours as some people may not have transport.
Local Mayor Phil Vickers said many residents were packing up and heading for Queenstown, which is about 40km away.
Cr Vickers, who is in Zeehan, said he had a safe place and would stay for now.
But Cr Vickers said many other people were leaving.
“The emergency has been called and the fire is not very far out of town,” he said from the main street.
“A lot of people are leaving and Queenstown is the safest place right now. It is very smoky and the wind is starting to build.”
The road from Zeehan to Corinna has been closed and the barge across the Pieman River to Corinna is not operating.
The Tasmania Fire Service issued emergency warnings for Zeehan and nearby Renison Bell early this morning.
“If your family has made a bushfire survival plan, use it now,” the TFS said in a statement.
“If you don’t live near Trial Harbour, stay away. The roads could be very dangerous.”
UPDATE 8am: Police have issued advice to people wanting to evacuate from Zeehan as a fire bears down on the West Coast township.
Zeehan and Renison Bell residents wishing to leave the area in response to the bushfire emergency warning are advised to travel south to Queenstown or north-east to Waratah and beyond.
The Tasmania Fire Service has also issued a bushfire watch and act message for Mt Heemskirk Regional Reserve, near Trial Harbour on the state’s West Coast.
The TFS warned the fire may put Mt Heemskirk Regional Reserve and surrounds at severe risk within two to six hours.
UPDATE 7.30am: Fire conditions today are looking similar to the destructive fires experienced in Dunalley in January 2013, says Tasmania Fire Service district officer Andrew McGuinness.
“(The fire) to the east of Zeehan has popped up and taken a run overnight and that’ll cause people in those areas a bit of grief today too,” he told ABC Radio.
As at 7.30am today, there were nine watch and act level fires and four emergency level fires being battled across the state.
Mr McGuinness said the areas at watch and act level were likely to increase to emergency warnings later in the day.
He said it was difficult for firefighters to protect areas around remote communities.
“Even if you are really well prepared, you’re fit and mentally able to cope with the stress, it’s still going to be really tough,” he said.
Authorities are also encouraging residents in high-risk areas to let their neighbours and relativea know of any movements they plan to make, and to check in with people in their community and especially elderly people.
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“People need to check in with their neighbours and elderly people that they might know because we just need to make sure that those people are making good decisions too,” Mr McGuinness said.
Mr McGuinness said people needed to remain “vigilant” today.
The bushfire crisis comes amid hot and windy conditions amid a warning of severe fire danger for the state. A total fire ban remains in place until Monday.
The temperature at Grove in the Huon Valley was 27 degrees at 7am. Winds gusting up to 56km/h were being recorded in the area.
The Huon Valley is one of the areas of concern for firefighters today because of a fire burning near the Tahune Airwalk, west of Geeveston.
Geeveston Fire Brigade will be patrolling the town’s street from 10am.
Brigade chief Steven Franklin said the crew were doing last-minute preparations so they were ready to go if the fire reached the town.
Some residents were leaving town this morning, calling by the fire station to wish the firefighters well.
Conditions were still and cool in Geeveston this morning, although winds were starting to pick up and blow smoke over the town.
On Mt Wellington this morning, a gust of 98km/h was recorded shortly after 4.30am, while Tasman Island recorded wind speeds of 109km/h..
A fire burning near Trial Harbour, near Zeehan, on the West Coast was this morning updated to a watch and act alert. The current warnings cover: Tahune Airwalk and areas south of Huonville; Roseberry, Trial Harbour, Lynch Hill, Pieman Rd and Reece Dam to the West; and the Bronte Park area including Pine Tier Lagoon And London Lakes, Miena and Barren Tier.
UPDATE 7.06AM: A bushfire at Lynch Hill on the state’s West Coast could put the town of Zeehan at risk within two to six hours, authorities say.
“Fire under these conditions can be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving,” the Tasmana Fire Service said in an emergency alert issued this morning.
“Embers will be blown around and cause fires that will move quickly and come from many directions. These fires may threaten your home earlier than the main fire.”
UPDATE 6.45AM: Smoke from 50 bushfires raging across the state has shrouded Hobart and surrounding areas including the Huon Valley overnight, with seven fires at watch and act status and four at emergency level.
See the latest bushfire warnings on the TFS website
Firefighters are bracing for possibly the busiest day of their lives today, described by authorities as “without precedent”.
TFS spokesman Andrew McGuiness said bushfires would be difficult to contain.
“They’re going to basically run wherever they want to and as long as they’ve got fuel — the bush. They’re going to basically impact on anything in its path,” he said.
People living south of Huonville were advised to evacuate last night.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife has closed numerous parks and tracks today including the Tasman National Park, Freycinet National Park, Douglas Apsley National Park, Wellington Park, Mt Field National Park, Hastings Caves and Thermal Pool today.
They may re-open tomorrow depending on weather and fire conditions.
For the latest on park closures, click here.
Authorities have said the burning embers falling in the regions with high fire risk will threaten homes before the fire.
TFS chief Chris Arnol told ABC Radio this morning: “Even those whose homes are well prepared will find that under these conditions their property might not be defendable.”
With smoke alerts for many parts, those with breathing difficulties are told to stay indoors.
Tasmanians will not be able to use fireworks this Australia Day long weekend as they could increase fire risks, except for those granted exemptions.
TFS state public information officer Peter Middleton said: “We would ask anyone who has got proposed fireworks to be sending those exemptions through to us.”
In Hobart there is chance of a thunderstorm with little or no rain, and winds blowing north-westerly up to 50km/h. At 6.45am, it was already 20.8C in the capital as it heads toward a hot and windy 37C.
UPDATE 6.00AM: The Tasmania Fire Service has issued more watch and act alerts overnight, as Tasmanians wake to a day of severe fire risk.
Fires burning on the West Coast in the Bronte Park area, including Pine Tier Lagoon and London Lakes, Rosebery, Zeehan and Lynch Hill (north of Rosebery) were all upgraded to watch and act status.
The fires at Waddamana, Hilltop, Penstock Lagoon and Shannon remain at emergency level.
The southern Tasmanian town of Geeveston and the Central Highlands town of Miena are the places of the greatest concern. Both are near large active blazes.
The TFS has urged the public to cancel all non-essential travel south of Huonville and for residents to leave urgently if they are not prepared to deal with fire.
TFS Chief Officer Chris Arnol said today would present an extreme challenge for the 600 firefighters from Tasmania, interstate and overseas.
See the latest bushfire warnings on the TFS website
The hazard was set to peak about 5am today, with temperatures in the high 30s and wind gusts of up to 90km/h likely to fan dozens of fires already burning across the state.
Eight new fires started on Thursday, adding to 50 others across the state, with two-thirds considered uncontained. About 64,000ha of land has been burned.
“The best thing people can do in these conditions is leave early,” the TFS warned yesterday.
“A fire under the expected conditions can move very quickly with the potential for embers starting fires up to 20km ahead.
“Even those whose homes are well prepared to defend against fire will find their property is not defendable in these conditions.”
Adding to the challenge for fire crews today is that forecast winds mean water ombing aircraft are likely to be grounded.
Ground crews will be stepped up to try and cover the loss of aircraft but efforts will be prioritised in terms of human safety and property defence.
Several fires have the potential to threaten communities. A blaze at central Great Pine Tier could bear down on Shannon, Waddamana, Hilltop and Penstock Lagoon, in the Central Highlands, and the Tahune fire could reach Geeveston.
One house has been lost near central Miena, while residents remain on alert at Barren Tier, Zeehan, Rosebery, Lynch Hill, Tods Corner, Penstock Lagoon, Tahune Airwalk and Liawenee.
A statewide fire ban is in place until Monday.
OVERNIGHT :TASMANIANS are bracing for a day of severe fire risk.
Temperatures approaching 40 degrees and low humidity combined with winds of up to 70km/h will fan dozens of fires burning across the state to create grave danger from even before dawn.
The Tasmania Fire Service said the strong winds may ground firefighting aircraft and be accompanied by dry lightning strikes, which may start even more fires.
Fifty-three blazes with a combined perimeter of 800km are currently alight across the state, 29 of which are contained. Eight which started on Thursday have been dealt with.
More than 63,000 hectares of bush have burned.
Strike teams are in place to deal with any new fires that break out.
“It is very important for the public to be aware we’ll be having difficulty fighting fires from the get-go and … we may not even be able to get aircraft in the air at certain times,” he said.
“Communities will definitely be facing ember attack from fires in any case — not necessarily a head fire — but ember attack will be coming from those fires.
“People near current bushfires should consider leaving the area for the day tomorrow [Friday].
“The best thing people can do in these conditions is to leave early because it is safe to do so.”
“There will be extremely strong winds and high temperatures meaning that fire can move very quickly with the potential for embers to start fires up to 10 kilometres away.
“Even those whose homes are well prepared to defend against fire will find it under these conditions their property may not be defendable.”
Emergency warnings are in force for communities near Miena affected by the Great Pine Tier fire. Watch and act warnings are in force for the fire burning near the Tahune Airwalk, west of Geeveston.
Chief Officer Arnol urged people to evacuate well in advance of the impact of the fires, saying being in an area subject to ember attack could be a terrifying experience.
“They’re going to have embers dropping all around them. People need to be prepared for that. It will be hot, windy and dark and then there will be fire all around you. Think about that. If you’re prepared to have your family in those conditions, will you stay or will you choose to leave tonight and go somewhere out of harm’s way?”
The best sources of information for people concerned about fires hitting their communities are ABC Local Radio and the Tasmania Fire Service website and the Mercury will have rolling coverage all day.
The TFS website also has details of community protection plans and lists nearby safer places which may serve as refuges and which will be defended by fire crews.
Tasmania Police Commander Tony Cerritelli urged people not to travel to fire-affected areas and to take care on the roads.
“We ask members of the public to stay away from areas affected by the bushfires during the Australia Day long weekend and asked all motorists to obey road closures and take care on all roads,” he said.
“The smoke is likely to impact most of the state.”
Mount Field National Park, Hastings Caves and Thermal Pool, and Wellington Park will be closed due to the forecast fire weather, Premier Will Hodgman said.
The Mount Wellington Park Management Trust will close the Pinnacle Road from 10pm on Thursday.
The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service also announced multiple walking track and campground closures on the Tasman Peninsula and in the Freycinet and Douglas Apsley National Parks.
“Our firefighters are working hard to keep the community safe, and we can help make their jobs easier by heeding warnings and acting on advice from our emergency services,” Mr Hodgman said.
“Those planning or considering visits to our Parks in coming days need to ensure they have checked the Parks website for updated information — www.parks.tas.gov.au.
“The Government’s priority is community and visitor safety and the entire community has a role to play.
“If you see a fire, report it immediately to triple-0.”
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