Little Swanport bushfire: Tasman Highway, Saltworks Rd watch message by Tasmania Fire Service

A bushfire that was earlier threatening to cut the Tasman Highway has been brought under control, as a local vineyard owner talks about the effect on properties >>

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A bushfire that was earlier threatening to cut the Tasman Highway has been brought under control.

Astrid Walters, who runs Boomer Creek Vineyard, situated about 2 kilometres away from the fire ground, said the TFS looked to have the blaze under control as at about 2.30pm on Thursday.

“It looks like air personnel have got on top of it pretty rapidly, as well as ground crews,” she said.

“There was a lot of low-lying smoke there for a while and we were seeing a little bit of ash fall on [our] property, as well.

“It was reasonably close but it seems to have cleared now so I think they’ve probably got the worst of it under control.”

Vineyard manager at Boomer Creek, Astrid Walters. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Ms Walters said her father and partner, both volunteer fireys, were currently pitching in to help fight the fire.

Glamorgan Spring-Bay Mayor Cheryl Arnol said the local council had received advice from the TFS to say the fire was “under control”.

“There’s going to be some staging work done by the TFS to keep a watching brief on it overnight, I think,’ she said.

“Probably because of the wind that we’re currently experiencing, I suspect.”

Ms Arnol said it would have been a frightening experience for local residents but commended the TFS for acting swiftly to control the blaze.

“The way the area has dried out after the significant growth that we’ve had, fire is a danger, of course. It’s one of our major concerns, particularly when we have these very strong winds and the like,” she said.

“So the fact that the TFS — and I suspect our volunteer fire brigade had a role in it, as well — were able to get onto it and get it under control so quickly is an immense relief, really.”

The TFS confirmed there is no longer an immediate threat, however smoke will be visible in the area for the next few hours.

1.45pm Thursday:

A Bushfire Watch and Act message has been issued for the Tasman Highway and Saltworks Road, Little Swanport and surrounding areas.

The Tasmania Fire Service advises there is an uncontrollable bushfire at Tasman Highway, Little Swanport, expected to put the area at high risk now.

The fire is travelling towards the south east.

Embers, smoke, and ash may fall on Tasman Highway and Saltworks Road, Little Swanport and surrounding areas and threaten you and your home before the main fire arrives.

Tasmania Fire Service is attending and they advise conditions are expected to be changeable.

What to do:

• If you have prepared your home and can actively defend it, it should provide shelter.
• If you are going to leave, make sure you have a clear path to a safer place.
• If your family has made a bushfire plan, use it now.
• If you do not live near Tasman Highway and Saltworks Road, Little Swanport and surrounding areas, stay away. The roads could be very dangerous.

TFS advise people at higher risk from the effects of smoke, including those with medical conditions, are advised to have a personal plan for avoiding smoke and managing their health.

If there is a fire and your plan is to evacuate or leave, the best option is to stay with family or friends.