Homeowners full of praise for firefighters after properties saved from blaze at Glenlusk

Homeowners have praised fire crews after an out-of-control bushfire at Glenlusk triggered an emergency warning.

GLENLUSK and Collinsvale residents have praised fire crews for saving their homes, but have spoken of their vulnerability living in dry, bushfire-prone surroundings.

A bushfire burned out of control at Glenlusk, 16km northwest of Hobart, on Thursday in an area heavy with vegetation and in undulating, hilly terrain.

Numerous water-bombing aircraft assisted dozens of ground crews in efforts to control the blaze, which triggered an emergency warning with residents told to evacuate.

The Tasmania Fire Service said no properties were damaged in the fire, which was today still being actively monitored.

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Collinsvale Fire Brigade members monitoring a blaze at Glenlusk. An emergency warning was issued for the blaze on Thursday, but was later downgraded. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The fire came within metres of Steve and Susan Dransfield’s home on Collinsvale Rd, Collinsvale.

Mr Dransfield stayed to defend his home as the bushfire raged.

“We were very lucky,” he said.

“It got right to the corner [of the property].

“If the fireys hadn’t got here as quick as they did, my little hose wouldn’t have done anything.

“And had the water bombers not got here as quick as they did ... they wouldn’t have been able to stop it.”

Mr Dransfield suggested more backburning needed to be done in the area around his home prior to the fire season, to reduce risk.

“From what I can ascertain, this hasn’t been burnt in 25 years so how much fuel is sitting there? Tonnes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Steven Ransley was relieved a property on Collinsvale Rd, Glenlusk, built and owned by his late father was unscathed.

The home known as “Nowhere”, belonged to Rex Ransley, who died last month aged 89. Family are relieved it was spared in the bushfire at Glenlusk, which threatened many homes. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

It would have been Rex Ransley’s 90th birthday tomorrow. He died last month.

“We just got over one tragedy, we didn’t want another one, particularly not on his birthday,” Mr Ransley said.

Mr Ransley said he had “nothing but praise” for firefighters.

“I couldn’t be happier, couldn’t feel safer,” he said.

“We’re in safe hands when we’ve got people like that, and a lot of these guys are straight out volunteers.

“These guys are incredible.”

Firefighter Peter Johnstone from Collinsvale Fire Brigade on the fire ground at the Collinsvale Rd, Glenlusk blaze. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Mr Ransley said the blaze was a reminder for homeowners to adequately clear their properties to reduce fire risk.

“There is a reason why there’s no damage, because the property is cleared and prepared for a fire,” he said.

“There’s no fuel on the ground at all.

“Every year up there, I clear and rake probably 10 tonne of bark and sticks and leaves just to keep it clear.”

The fire is currently at an advice alert level, as crews continue to monitor the fire ground.