New fire danger warning for Tasmania as predicted winds, storms roll in over weekend
Thunderstorms moving across Tasmania from Saturday could spark fresh bushfires as emergency services work to control twin blazes that have devastated east coast communities.
A trough bringing thunderstorms and light rain moving over Tasmania from Saturday could hold the potential for more bushfires as the state’s emergency services battle to bring twin blazes under control on the east coast.
The two blazes – one affecting the towns of Dianas Basin, Peron Dunes, Parkside, Parnella, Stieglitz, Akoroa and another impacting Dolphin Sands and surrounds – had the emergency warnings downgraded to advice level on Friday.
Additionally, the Tasmanian Fire Service stated as of Friday afternoon that the fire at Stieglitz was contained within the fire boundaries of the 1170ha burnt, but people are warned to keep out of the fireground due to safety risks and ongoing firefighting activities.
St Helens Point Road was opened to the public, but motorists are advised to drive with caution as firefighters and emergency services are still operating in the area.
Additionally, Dolphin Sands Road would fully reopen to all traffic from 4pm Friday.
The bushfire had burnt around 700ha.
Southern Regional Emergency Management Controller, Commander Jason Elmer said the decision follows ongoing safety assessments and significant progress in recovery efforts.
“Crews have worked tirelessly to make the area safe, and we’re grateful for the community’s patience and support during what has, understandably, been a challenging time,” he said.
“While the road will reopen, reduced speed limits remain in place, and we urge all motorists to drive with caution as hazards may still be present in the area.
“We also encourage those who do not need to be in the area to continue to stay away. Tasmania Police will maintain a presence in the area over the coming days to support community safety.
“Residents returning to bushfire-affected properties will have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and information packs at the Recovery Centre in Swansea.
“This includes information about financial assistance grants and the Clean-up Program.”
However, TasAlerts updated its advice level to include an “avoid the area” warning for the Peron Dunes, Dianas Basin and the area known as O’Connors Farm.
A bushfire advice emergency warning is also in place for a small blaze on Toby’s Hill Road in Cygnet, with locals urged to monitor the conditions.
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) meteorologist Michael Conway said there would be high fire dangers over the weekend, particularly on Sunday, with a trough and strong winds forecasted.
“There’ll be high fire dangers especially about Sunday in the east and also especially about the Furneaux Islands where we’re looking like extreme fire danger for that district,” he said.
“There could be a fire weather warning – it’s likely a fire weather warning will be put out Sunday for the Furneaux Islands.
“Initially, we’ll have some strong northwesterly winds in the early morning to mid morning and there’ll likely be 60 to 80km/h winds and gusts associated with those.
“They’ll come around to more westerly during the day as the cold front moves over, so it’ll be a big change in the weather with a strong cold front moving over – on the Furneuax Islands we could get gusts up around the 90km/h.
“This will be combined with relatively dry air coming over … in eastern parts on the Sunday afternoon.”
Mr Conway said the trough moving over the state from Saturday could bring thunderstorms in the state’s east with “relatively light” rain, which could produce some fire starts.
Tasmania Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Jeremy Smith said forecast strong winds and isolated storms would add to the fire risk.
“A high fire danger rating means there’s a heightened risk of fires, which can become dangerous and spread quickly, requiring you to be ready to act,” he said.
“These conditions are unsafe for burning and no fires should be lit.
“Tasmania Fire Service and our partner agencies are pre-positioning strike teams, with a double brigade mobilisation in place through Hot Day Response protocols, and aerial resources will be on hand for swift responses.
“While we have these measures in place, we also need community members to take responsibility for keeping themselves and their neighbours safe.
“The best way for Tasmanians to be prepared is to review your Bushfire Plan, prepare your property for potential ignition, be aware of your surroundings, keep up to date through TasALERT, and report any fires to Triple Zero (000).”
Into next week, winds will ease from Monday and a high-pressure system will move over during mid-next week, with temperatures to remain in the 20s for most places.
The Tasmanian Government is contacting impacted Dolphin Sands property owners to register for the Clean-up Program.
If you have not yet been contacted, please call the Tasmanian Emergency Information Service on 1800 667 483.
For information about the Clean-up Program property safety and hazard assessments, Pitt and Sherry will be available in the Recovery Centre at the old courthouse in Noyes Street, Swansea, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Suncorp Insurance has also deployed a team to assist customers impacted by the bushfires, with a recovery centre set up at Swansea Court House.
Chief Executive of Consumer Insurance Lisa Harrison said Suncorp had received a small number of bushfire claims related to the recent fires and mobilised quickly to provide emergency support for customers.
“Some of these customers have lost everything in the fires, so it’s vital that we are there to provide them with emergency support, accommodation and ensure we can begin the recovery process,” Ms Harrison said.
“We are actively monitoring fire activity across multiple states and will deploy our people when it’s safe to access those communities.”
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