Miena residents were packed and ready to leave if ordered, as fire threatened their central Tasmanian town
Firefighters and waterbombing helicopters have prevented an out-of-control bushfire from crossing the Ouse River and reaching the Central Highlands town of Miena.
Tasmania
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FIREFIGHTERS and waterbombing helicopters have prevented an out-of-control bushfire from crossing the Ouse River and reaching the Central Highlands town of Miena.
The blaze had threatened to jump the river late yesterday afternoon after strong winds fanned flames towards the town.
Many residents had prepared to evacuate due to the threat of the fire, which started in the Great Pine Tier on Tuesday and has burned through more than 5000 hectares.
In a lengthy fight with high temperatures and blustery winds, a planned burn to strengthen containment lines had to be cancelled yesterday afternoon.
The fire front was last night within 4km of the township, which remained under a “watch and act” alert.
YESTERDAY: Waterbombing helicopters are battling to stop an out-of-control bushfire from jumping the Ouse River and heading towards Miena.
A wind change has forced the cancellation of a planned burn to strengthen containment lines this afternoon.
Miena residents are preparing to leave should the order be given to evacuate the town due to the threat of the Great Pine Tier/Central Plateau bushfire.
The fire front is about 4km from the central Tasmanian township. It remains at “watch and act” level on the Tasmania Fire Service alerts list.
Two waterbombing helicopters were this afternoon working to stop the blaze from spreading.
The bushland surrounding the Little Pine Lagoon — which the aircraft were using to refill — was blackened from the fire which went through yesterday, with some areas still smouldering.
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Locals told the Mercury they had the car packed and ready to go should winds change and push the blaze towards the remote Central Highlands village.
They said conditions have cleared since smoke and ash blanketed the town yesterday morning.
Great Lake Hotel owner Kaylee Hattinger said she would stay and defend her property.
The hotel and shop has been transformed into a staging area with dozens of fire trucks filling the car park.
“We’re providing their breakfast, lunch and dinner, so we've been feeding up to 130 firefighters at any one stage,” she said.
“We’re grateful and thankful they’re all here helping us. Crews from all of the state are here to protect our community and our assets.
“This fire won't go out on its own without a big rain, but they can protect our assets and they're all here helping us and we're so grateful.”
She said locals had been “fabulous” by providing beds and help. “We're also sleeping as many as we can,” Ms Hattinger said.
“We're also sleeping as many as we can,” Ms Hattinger said. “At the moment there's 20 off having siestas, and then we've got another 40 or so tonight, we're just doing as best we can.
“Any customers that we had booked I've contacted and they're making arrangements elsewhere because it's not safe for people to come up here who don't know the roads.”
Gary and Kim Bennett, who just moved to Miena from Queensland at the end of November, are among those locals providing beds for fireys.
The couple have got five spare beds at their property 2km northwest of the town.
“It’s a little bit worrying and yesterday we thought it best we pack a bag and leave it at the front door just in case,” Ms Bennett said.
“The community spirit, it’s amazing. We’ve been here for the last six weeks getting to know the neighbours and it’s a great little community.”
Mr Bennett said they would stay until they’re told to evacuate. “It’s a little bit better today,” he said.
“This is the first time we’ve encountered a bushfire, to have it at our back door.
“If worse comes to worst, we’ll drive down to the lake and sit in the lake.”
Cattle Hill Wind Farm at Waddamana has stood down all itsworkers to make room available for firefighters.
About 80 residents remain at Miena.
Tasmania Fire Service advice for Miena
What to do:
Activate your bushfire survival plan NOW.
If your home is well prepared and actively defended, it should provide shelter.
If you are going to leave, make sure you have a clear path to a safer place.
If you don’t live near Miena, Central Plateau, stay away. The roads could be very dangerous.
Listen to ABC Local Radio or look at www.fire.tas.gov.au for more information.
For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police.
For advice is available from the Department of Health or the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania.
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