Tasmania breaking news: TFS continue 1200 hectare burn of national park to control Coles Bay Rd fire
Motorists on the Freycinet Peninsula are being advised to factor in travel delays as backburning operations continue. LATEST.
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ROLLING UPDATES: Prepare for delays as burn continues
September 25:
Motorists on the Freycinet Peninsula are being advised to factor in travel delays as backburning operations continue, with crews consolidating the bushfire which has been burning in the area since last Tuesday.
The Coles Bay bushfire remains at advice level in the areas of Swanwick, Coles Bay and Friendly Beaches region.
The TFS has warned that smoke and fire activity may be evident from Tasman Highway and Coles Bay Rd throughout the coming days while the backburn is underway.
Motorists are asked to consider travel in the area, and have been urged to obey reduced speed limits which are in place along the Coles Bay Rd.
The blaze began just after 3pm last Tuesday, when an emergency alert was issued for a stretch of the state’s East Coast after the “uncontrollable and fast-moving” bushfire which closed Coles Bay Rd near Friendly Beaches and sparked evacuations.
The blaze ripped through 750ha of national park and private land, and caused damage to the Friendly Beaches campsite.
The TFS established an evacuation centre at the Swansea Town Hall, and set up a nearby safety place at the Coles Bay jetty.
The blaze forced the evacuation of guests and staff at Freycinet Resort, accommodation nestled in the bush at Mount Paul north of Coles Bay.
September 24, 9am:
Backburning efforts will continue today to control a bushfire which has been burning since Tuesday.
To reduce the spread of the fire, Tasmania Fire Service began burning through 1200 hectares of national park and 700 hectares of private land on Saturday, and will today focus its efforts on the north and northwest of Friendly Beaches and Coles Bay Road
“With favourable weather conditions in the area yesterday, backburning operations progressed well to consolidate the bushfire perimeter,” Tasmania Fire Service incident controller Mark Klop said.
“We appreciate the ongoing understanding of the Coles Bay community while we undertake backburning, our aim is to consolidate the bushfire as quickly as possible and provide future protection for the community and critical infrastructure.”
Mr Klop warned the blaze, currently at an Advice level, would likely create a lot of smoke, which could result in traffic delays along Coles Bay Road and the Tasmman Highway.
“I assure the community that we are continuing to actively monitor weather conditions, strong north easterly winds today may push smoke inland,” he said.
“Motorists are asked to consider travel in the area and factor in potential delays.
“Drivers are urged to drive with caution and obey reduced speed limits which are in place along the Coles Bay Road.”
September 23, 3pm: As firefighters continued to work to make safe an uncontained fire on Coles Bay Rd which has closed a popular campground, the Tasmania Fire Service will review messages sent to residents after the blaze forced evacuations.
In the wake of criticism from some Coles Bay residents that they were not given up-to-date messages about the fires which raged on Tuesday night isolating the East Coast township, TFS incident controller Scott Vinen said the messaging would be reviewed.
He said the TFS had been pre-planning to fight the blaze for about a month.
“A lot of people don’t understand the terminology for nearby safer places compared to evacuation shelters,” he said.
“We both need to learn from these experiences and hopefully moving forward we do things better.”
A big effort was made on Saturday to backburn about 1200ha of national park and 700ha of private land to contain the fire between the Tasman Highway and Friendly Beaches.
Mr Vinen said smoke in the area would diminish in the coming days.
“Our main concern is to just get all the edges tied in so it’s all nice and safe but we may do a bit of internal burning tomorrow,” he said.
“A lot of the fire in the national park is inaccessible for crews and bulldozers but if we can create this buffer zone it will protect the Peninsula for the next five to 10 years.”
The Friendly Beaches campground will be closed until Monday at the earliest.
As well as the TFS, Sustainable Timbers Tasmania, Parks and Wildlife and the SES all took part in Saturday’s firefighting efforts. Heavy machinery and aircraft were used to contain the fire.
Police advised that the Friendly Beaches campground will be closed until Monday at the earliest.
September 22, 10.25am: Sixty fire fighters, 20 fire appliances, 3 aircraft and heavy machinery will this weekend take part in a burn-off of 1200 hectares of national park in a bid to control a fire that broke out three days ago.
The burn, which will also include 700 hectares of private land, will be completed to consolidate the northern boundaries of the Coles Bay Rd fire.
TFS Deputy Chief Matt Lowe said the burn was necessary and would offer future protection for the Coles Bay community.
The fire, which has been burning since Tuesday afternoon, remains now at advice level.
Residents are asked to monitor conditions in the areas of Swanwick, Coles Bay and Friendly Beaches region.
“People are advised that there will be smoke highly visible in the area as the burn takes place but we will actively plan and monitor conditions to ensure this is minimised as much as possible,” he said.
Mr Lowe said the burn would consolidate the fire “in its entirety” to natural fire breaks and the sea – which remains inaccessible.
“Coles Bay, Swanwick and the whole of the Peninsula are recognised as being at high risk from bushfire and by including the area north of the fire into the fire fighting activities, this will consolidate the fire and provide long term protection for the Coles Bay community and local tourism operators,” he said
Tasmania Police Southern District Commander Jason Elmer asked that motorists continue to drive with caution in areas affected with smoke.
Mr Lowe said the burn would be conducted in fire-tolerant vegetation.
Fire investigators are continuing to work to determine the cause of the fire.
As an El Nino was declared, Mr Lowe said Tasmanians needed to prepare for more fires this season.
“While wet conditions have limited our opportunities over the past three years, we have been conducting fuel reduction burns where we can, and have been busy training our people in preparation for a drier season,” he said.
“However, we also need the community to take action, and now is the time for that action.
“The best defence against bushfires is being prepared – know your risk, develop and practice bushfire plans, clean up yards and gutters, and remove flammable waste from around the home to create a defendable space.”
For information about preparing your property visit www.fire.tas.gov.au
People in the Coles Bay vicinity are encouraged to stay informed and monitor conditions locally by visiting tasalert.com and listening to ABC Radio.
September 21, 3.39pm: 750 hectares of land was impacted by this week’s East-Coast bushfire, authorities say, with firefighters working late into Thursday afternoon to bring the blaze under control.
TFS Incident Controller Scott Vinen said the fire – which started on Tuesday – was “currently considered as uncontained, there was limited fire activity and a small-scale burn is underway to consolidate boundaries near Friendly Beaches Road and the Friendly Beaches Airfield. However, there is still active fire in the northern area of the fire”.
“While the fire remains at Advice level – Monitor Conditions, smoke is highly visible in the area. Please obey reduced speed limits along the Coles Bay Road and drive with caution if the smoke is impacting on your journey,” he said.
“Approximately 750 hectares of both private and national park land has been affected by the fire. Some damage to Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and private assets have been observed within the fire impacted area. SES personnel are currently undertaking assessments to determine the extent of the damage.
“About 35 personnel supported by machinery and waterbombing aircraft are currently working on consolidating existing fire edges and opening tracks to limit fire progression both north and south of the fire boundaries.
“Fire crews will continue to actively monitor and work to bring to the fire under control to ensure the community is safe.
“Over the course of the next few days, planning to consolidate the northern boundary of the fire will take place, which is expected to require significant work including the burning of inaccessible terrain. We will keep the community up to date on any planned fire activity in the coming days.
“We would like to thank the Coles Bay community and local tourism operators for their patience and understanding at this challenging time. Please be assured that we are working hard to minimise the impact of this fire on the community.
“People are reminded to obey the directions of all emergency service personnel in order to keep everyone safe.”
Fire investigators are continuing to work to determine the cause of the fire.
People are encouraged to stay informed and monitor conditions locally by visiting tasalert.com and listening to ABC Radio.
September 20, 4.43pm: Coles Bay Road is now open following a significant bushfire in the area overnight.
Lowered speed limits will be in force, so please drive to conditions and be aware of your surroundings. Motorists are also reminded to look out for emergency service and Tas Network vehicles which will be operating in the area.
September 20, 12.50pm: Two Queensland tourists stuck in chaotic traffic delays amid a blazing bushfire on Tasmania’s East-Coast say they saw a “huge ball of smoke”.
Brisbane couple Peter Martland and Claire Stening had booked a two-night stay at the Freycinet Lodge and nearly made it through to Coles Bay Road, but decided to stop at a winery.
The change in travel plans meant the tourists had to bunk down in Bicheno for the night as emergency evacuations alerts were put in place for areas near Friendly Beaches, where the fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon.
“We almost made it in,” Mr Martland said.
“We saw a huge ball of smoke near our turn-off,” Ms Stening said.
Ms Stening said they were stopped by a police officer who wouldn’t allow them to go through.
The couple had to travel to Bicheno and were some of the last to access accommodation amid the scramble for secure shelter for the night.
Further along the road, Sarah Kuskopf and her friends travelled from Melbourne when they got stuck in Coles Bay after an evacuation order.
“We stayed at an Airbnb for a couple of nights and then got the evacuation order yesterday,” she said.
“We left our accommodation and it was only a matter of 20 minutes until we got to the roadblock on Tuesday afternoon.
“We turned back from here and parked – then decided to head to Freycinet Lodge for dinner and cocktails because there was nothing else we could do.
“You could see the plumes of smoke and then you could feel things became more real – the panic set in a bit.”
TFS crews are assessing damage on Coles Bay Rd from the bushfire, but will keep the road closed until advised.
In the meantime, dozens of cars have parked on the corner of the Tasman Hwy and Coles Bay Rd, waiting to gain access to the area.
September 20, 11.40am: Coles Bay Road remains closed to all but emergency vehicles as firefighting crews, supported by three aircraft, work to bring a bushfire under control.
Fire crews remained on the fireground overnight at the Coles Bay Road blaze, as overnight rain and reduced winds helped dampened several fires on the East Coast.
The Friendly Beaches campground and other PWS assets have been impacted by the blaze, and a damage assessment is ongoing.
Coles Bay Road into Coles Bay was temporarily reopened on Wednesday morning to let a number of people leave who were stranded overnight, some sleeping in their cars as the blaze unfolded.
TFS Deputy Chief Matt Lowe said there were no reports of injuries or structures being impacted by fire, as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze.
“We had six crews overnight doing structural protection and to date we have had no reports of any structures lost or any injuries at this time,” Mr Lowe said.
“Our plan for today is to gain a comprehensive picture of the fire damage, however early indications suggest around 700 ha has been burnt at this stage.
“Our key priority is to return residents to their homes & businesses once deemed safe.
“The Coles Bay & Swanick township is not under immediate threat, however, the Tasmania Fire Service advises that awareness and vigilance should be maintained.
“Our priority is to assess Coles Bay Road, including nearby trees that may have been damaged, and undertake any remedial works so that the road can be opened as soon as possible.”
Two boat ramps in Coles Bay and the Freycinet Golf Course have been designated as dafer places.
An evacuation centre has been set up at the Swansea Town Hall for those who cannot return home via Coles Bay Road.
Mr Lowe said it was important people stayed informed by visiting tasalert.com and listening to abc radio.
September 20, 8.15am: Tasmania Fire Service has advised Coles Bay Road will remain closed throughout Wednesday after a bushfire tore through parts of the state’s East-Coast, with emergency evacuations in place overnight.
A TFS spokesperson said Coles Bay Rd will not open to the general public until a full safety inspection has been carried out and hazards are removed.
Motorists have been advised of delays and interruptions and have been asked to plan accordingly.
On Tuesday night before 11.30pm, an emergency alert was issued advising residents and tourists to seek shelter and leave the area.
Coles Bay Rd in the Friendly Beaches/Swanwick area was hit by the bushfire, which was travelling in an easterly direction towards Friendly Beaches.
The fire rating overnight was high.
On Wednesday morning, a second alert was issued for a bushfire in the vicinity of the Esk and Tasman Highways at Falmouth.
The Esk Hwy from the bottom of St Marys Pass to the Tasman Hwy at Upper Scamander Road will be closed throughout Wednesday.
Motorists have been advised to detour via Top Marshes Rd if necessary.
Tuesday, 5.25pm: A smoke alert message has been issued for McManus Drive, Tasman Highway and Falmouth area.
There is a bushfire at McManus Drive, Falmouth but there is no threat to communities reported, Tasmania fire Service said.
There is expected to be smoke, ash and embers from this fire visible around McManus Drive, Tasman Highway and Falmouth area.
WHAT TO DO:
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.
People travelling in the area should be careful if driving in smoke. Turn on your headlights, drive slowly and be aware of emergency services in the area.
If you live in the area of the fire, stay informed and monitor conditions locally by listening to ABC radio or visiting tasalert.com
UPDATED 3.44pm: A watch and act alert has been issued for Swanwick and Coles Bay as an uncontrollable bushfire continues to burn at Friendly Beaches.
The blaze has forced the evacuation of at least one resort in the area with guests and staff fleeing the area.
The fire is burning at Coles Bay Rd at Friendly Beaches and is expected to put Swanwick and Coles Bay at high risk in the coming hours.
“The fire is travelling in an easterly direction towards Friendly Beaches,” Tasmania Fire Service in a statement said.
“Embers, smoke and ash may fall on Swanwick and Coles Bay and threaten you and your home before the main fire arrives.”
Tasmania Fires service is attending but conditions are set to worsen.
Meanwhile, a bushfire advice message for Coles Bay Rd and Tasman Highway, Bicheno has been issued for residents to monitor conditions.
“there is no immediate threat … Tasmania Fire Service is attending. Conditions are expected to be changeable”.
Residents are asked to check their bushfire plan, and monitor conditions. If they get more dangerous and you are not well prepared, plan to go to a safer place.
WHAT TO DO:
The Tasmania Fire Service have advised that Coles Bay Road is closed at the turn-off from the Tasman Highway and people are not to enter Coles Bay Road at this time. People in the Swanwick and Coles Bay townships and surrounding areas are advised to stay in that location and monitor conditions.
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.
There is a nearby safer place at Coles Bay Boat Ramp.
If your family has made a bushfire plan, use it now.
If you do not live near Swanwick and Coles Bay, stay away. The roads could be very dangerous.
For fire updates, listen to ABC Local Radio or visit tasalert.com
INITIAL – September 19, 3.15pm: An emergency alert has been issued for a stretch of Tasmania’s East Coast after an “uncontrollable and fast-moving” bushfire started.
The alert was issued for Coles Bay Rd area near Friendly Beaches at 3.15pm on Tuesday.
Tasmania Fire Service say the fire is “uncontrolled” and the Coles Bay Rd area has been impacted.
Residents and tourists in the area have been urged to leave immediately.
“The fire is travelling in an easterly direction towards Friendly Beaches from Coles Bay Road,” a TFS spokesperson said.
“The fire danger rating is severe. Fires under these conditions are expected to be uncontrollable and fast moving.
“Burning embers may threaten your home before the main fire arrives. Smoke and ash may make it difficult to see and breathe.”
Tasmania Fire Service and Parks & Wildlife Service is attending. Conditions are expected to worsen.
WHAT TO DO:
If you are at Coles Bay Road, Friendly Beaches, you should go to a safer location now.
If you are going to leave, make sure there is a clear road to a safer place.
If you don’t have a safe route to a safer place, shelter inside the nearest building, regularly checking your surroundings and putting out any fires near the building until the fire passes.
There is a nearby safer place at Coles Bay Area – Coles Bay Boat Ramp.
There is an Evacuation Centre at Coles Bay Boat Ramp.
Your home can only protect your life if it is actively defended, and it has been prepared for severe conditions.
Do not travel to the area, as the roads are expected to be highly dangerous.
For fire updates, listen to ABC Local Radio or visit tasalert.com
More to come.
Inmate charged with attempted murder
September 19, 12.50pm: An inmate at Risdon Prison has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged violent assault on another prisoner.
The 28-year-old man was charged on Saturday, where a male prisoner was allegedly assaulted about 6.15pm.
The victim was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police say.
The man is expected to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court today.
Three teens charged over stealing, public order incidents in northern CBD
September 19, 11.15am: Three teenagers have been hit with charges over alleged stealing and public order incidents at a northern Tasmanian CBD.
Tasmania Police say a 14-year-old and 15-year-old were both charged in relation to the stealing incidents at “several” businesses in Devonport’s CBD on Monday.
A second 15-year-old has been charged separately in relation to public order incidents in the CBD as well.
Teens to front court over alleged bashing, robbery
September 19, 10am: Two teens, ages 15 and 16, will front court over an alleged aggravated robbery in the state’s North.
On Friday September 15 at 7.40am, police were called to the Brisbane Street Mall in Launceston CBD, where a youth was allegedly bashed and had his property stolen.
Police say the victim’s injuries were non-life threatening.
Police did not specify when the two youths would appear in court.
Investigations are ongoing.
Midlands bushfire expected to ‘worsen’
September 19, 8.30am: A bushfire in the state’s Midlands is expected to worsen, with Tasmania Fire Service issuing an updated alert on Tuesday morning.
Warnings are in place for Springhill Bottom Rd and Grahams Rd at Colebrook, with the fire travelling towards Mt Beta and Potboy Hill areas.
There is no immediate threat.
Tasmania Fire Service have dispatched crews to the scene in an attempt to manage the blaze.
A TFS spokesperson said conditions are expected to worsen.
“Well prepared homes are expected to be defendable in these conditions,” the spokesperson said.
“Monitor conditions, and if they get more dangerous, and you are not well prepared, plan to go to a safer place.”
For the latest updates, listen to ABC Local Radio or visit tasalert.com
More to come.
Pedestrian hit, road closed in northern crash
Updated: Mooreville Rd at shorewell park is now open to traffic after the earlier crash.
The pedestrian, whose gender and age was not specified, has been taken to hospital with what police say “are believed to be non-life threatening injuries”.
September 18, 1.45pm:
A pedestrian has been struck by a car in a crash in the state’s north.
Police and emergency services crews are responding to the incident, which happened on Mooreville Rd at Shorewell Park.
A diversion is currently in place on Mooreville Rd between Wiseman St and Wingrove gardens.
Tasmania Police in a statement asked motorists to avoid the area.
The pedestrian’s injuries are not yet known.
Hobart CBD street to close for ‘Yes’ walk
September 17, 11.45am:
Hobart drivers are being warned of potential traffic delays in Hobart CBD today.
Tasmania Police in a statement said “a public walk” would begin in Elizabeth St from 12.00pm.
As a result, Elizabeth St will be closed from 12.35pm.
Other roads set to be impacted will include Liverpool St, Argyle St, and Campbell St.
Delays are to be expected for about 30 minutes.
Drivers should avoid the area at the time, if possible
The closure comes as crowds gather this afternoon to walk for ‘Yes’ in Hobart.
The Yes23 supporters will be taking to the streets to show their support for constitutional recognition through a Voice.
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