Dolphin Sands fire: Resident Harry Curry shares details of terrifying early morning evacuation

A Dolphin Sands resident has shared details of one of his longest nights – after being forced to evacuate onto the beach, then waiting hours at Bagot Point, before being convoyed through the flames. HIS STORY.

Dolphin Sands resident Harry Curry was not initially too worried when a friend reached out to alert him to the fire.

He went down to “have a look” at the fire burning six or seven blocks up from his residence at 1010 Dolphin Sands Rd and it “looked like the fireys had it under control”.

But when he looked again, the fire had gotten “bigger and worse”.

Dolphin Sands resident Harry Curry showing the scale of destruction around his property. Picture: Supplied

He received a knock on the door from a Tasmania Fire Service officer, who informed him that the way the wind was blowing, he would be hit flush.

Mr Curry was one of dozens forced to evacuate onto the beach.

“I saw the fire come right across the beach side of my house, pretty close to it,” he said.

Aftermath of Dolphin Sands bushfire showing how close Harry Curry's property at 1010 Dolphin Sands Rd was to being consumed. Picture: Supplied

“Embers were flying everywhere. The house is Colorbond but I have a timber deck, that’s what I was worried about.

“I couldn’t see the house when the fire was going across. Boobialla bushes were exploding. It was a bit scary.”

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Mr Curry and others were moved to Bagot Point at approximately 11.30pm, where they spent several hours until a convoy was organised by Tasmania Police and TFS.

Aftermath of Dolphin Sands bushfire showing how close Harry Curry's property at 1010 Dolphin Sands Rd was to being consumed. Picture: Supplied

“They took six cars at a time. The fire was still burning on both sides of the road,” he said.

Mr Curry spent the night in the Swansea Evacuation Centre, set up within the town hall.

“I came back this morning to see what’s happened. I waited around for a couple of hours before an escort was organised,” he said.

Dolphin Sands resident Harry Curry showing the scale of destruction around his property. Picture: Supplied

Mr Curry’s house survived the fire, although pictures supplied to the Mercury show what a near run thing it was.

“There’s a couple of little spot fires out the back of mine. The helicopter’s still coming over,” he said.