Pelham fire: Father-of-two describes ‘mind-blowing’ firestorm
A father-of-two has described the “surreal” scene as 80 per cent of his 50-acre Elderslie hobby farm went up in flames.
Tasmania
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JASON Gurr lost a tractor and generator as 80 per cent of his 50-acre Elderslie hobby farm went up in flames when dry lightning struck the Derwent Valley on Monday afternoon.
The father-of-two stayed to defend his Horners Rd property from the Pelham blaze, while his parents, wife and children fled to safety in Brighton.
“It surrounded us, and we were under heavy attack for about 30 minutes,” he told the Mercury yesterday.
“My eyes couldn’t follow the spot fires fast enough. It was mind-blowing and surreal.
“I had my little water tanker and the choppers were bombing wherever it was needed, it was unbelievable.”
On the same street, Donna Ford was taking shelter inside with her two dogs as the “firestorm” ripped through her fences and came within 20m of her house. She was brought to tears yesterday as she recalled her fear.
“I got home from work, saw the smoke and thought ‘I’ve got to get out of here’, but it started spotting all around me,” she said.
“I do consider my home pretty well-prepared. It’s mowed and modern, but I was absolutely terrified.”
FRIGHTENING SCENES AS FIRES CLOSE IN
RESIDENTS WARNED TO BRACE FOR NIGHT OF DANGER
While Mr Gurr and Ms Ford witnessed the ferocious fire first-hand, residents returning home to survey the damage after evacuating have been confronted with some devastating sights.
The 1950ha fire was downgraded to advice level yesterday, but the Tasmania Fire Service urged people in the Pelham, Elderslie and Broadmarsh areas to remain vigilant at a local community meeting last night.
Fire operations officer Michael Phillips said the northern edge of the fire was the most active as it is burning in “steep, difficult, rough and dry terrain”.
He told the meeting remote area firefighting crews would be called in today to help with suppression efforts.
“We’re having a lot of success, but it’s still a long way from being contained, and the weather is not going to be in our favour over the next few days,” Mr Phillips said.
“Locally, in Tasmania, we have a lot of fires on the go.
“It wouldn’t matter if it was 12C — if it’s windy, it will be an issue.
“As a state, we are on our own at the minute, whereas in the past we’ve been able to access aircraft and people from the mainland.
“We’re trying to throw as many resources as we can at this fire but we’re not across the finish line yet, and it could get bad again before it gets better.”
Roads are being managed by Tasmania Police, with access for residents only. Work is continuing to clear the roads and restore power.
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