Maydena Bike Park closed due to extreme fire danger, riders evacuated

Riders and workers at the Maydena Bike Park in the Derwent Valley have been evacuated this morning due to the severe fire danger in the area.

RIDERS and workers at the Maydena Bike Park in the Derwent Valley have been evacuated this morning because of the extreme fire danger in the area.

Maydena Bike Park managing director Simon French said the park was closed this morning after advice from the Parks and Wildlife Service.

Smoke from bushfires darken the skies at Maydena Bike park. Picture: ALEX McWHIRTER

Mr French said about 100 riders and 15 employees were evacuated.

“The safety of our guests and our staff is always our number one priority,” he said.

The park’s regular Friday social ride has also been cancelled this afternoon.

Mr French said he planned to reopen the park on Saturday, but would monitor conditions before a decision was made.

MORE ON THE FIRE:

UP TO 600 PEOPLE EVACUATED FROM PARK AS BUSHFIRE BLAZES

PHOTO GALLERY: BUSHFIRE HAZE BLANKETS HOBART

FIRE CREWS ON STANDBY AS TEMPERATURES SOAR

STATE ON HIGH ALERT AS TOTAL FIRE BAN DECLARED

“We have a few hundred riders booked already so we’ll keep them informed,” he said.

A watch and act message has been issued for Maydena, Tyenna, Mt Field and National Park.

A 15,000ha fire burning at Gell River in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park may put those areas at risk within the next two to three hours and there may be embers, smoke and ash falling on Maydena, Tyenna, Mt Field and National Park.

People in the area should keep up to date with information on the Tasmania Fire Service website or listen to ABC local radio for updates.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of extreme fire danger, the second-highest rating, in the midlands, upper Derwent Valley and South East for the rest of today.