Emergency warning for southern town of Gordon with bushfire bearing down

Authorities reveal the cause behind a fire that set a southern township on high alert. The warning was soon downgraded with improving conditions.

Tasmania Fire Service generic photo.

Updated 6.15pm

A fire on the Channel Highway at Gordon was caused by live power lines, the Tasmania Fire Service has confirmed.

On Sunday at 3.30pm, a bushfire Watch and Act alert was issued for the township, which crosses the municipalities of the Huon Valley and Kingborough.

Residents were advised to take action to protect themselves, their families and their homes, with a safe place prepared at the Nicholls Rivulet area.

In advising residents to be prepared to leave, emergency services said embers, smoke and ash might fall on the township.

However, the threat was downgraded an hour later – with an advice message for people to simply avoid the area.

The Tasmania Fire Service said the live powerline could cause complications with smoke and that the lines could potentially come down – a situation that was expected to rectify by Sunday night.

Four crews were deployed to the small fire, which covered an area of half a hectare.

Earlier 4.36pm: Firefighters say there is no immediate threat to Gordon having earlier set a count down for a bushfire to impact the town.

The message remains for people to avoid the area.

Tasmania Fire Service is working on controlling the bushfire and expect conditions to improve.

Initial: A bushfire is quickly charging down on Gordon in the Huon Valley.

Authorities issued a watch and act message for the town.

Tasmania Fire Service expect the bushfire to impact the town by 4.20pm.

Conditions are set to worsen with embers, smoke and ash may fall on Gordon.

TasAlert says to take action now to protect yourself, your family and your home.

If you’re not prepared for a bushfire, be ready to leave for a safer place.

There is a nearby safe place at 1262 Nicholls Rivulet Rd, Nicholls Rivulet Area. Only those who can travel there safely are encouraged to do so.