The Beat: Alert over uncontrolled bushfire in North-West

A hiker has been found alive and well after spending the night lost in the bush in Southern Tasmania. LATEST BREAKING NEWS >>

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Missing bushwalker found in Southwest National Park

Tuesday, December 21 12:00pm

A bushwalker has been found alive after spending more than 24 hours lost in Southwest National Park.

The experienced hiker was attempting to trek the Moonlight Ridge Track in the early hours of Monday morning when he called for help, prompting a land and air search involving police, multiple SES volunteers and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The 38-year-old man was located safe and well by rescuers near Pindars Peak at around 11:30am.

Tasmania Police said deteriorating weather conditions impacted the search with the incident acting as a reminder for bushwalkers to be well equipped and aware of their capabilities.

Alert over uncontrolled bushfire in North-West

Sunday December 19, 12.24pm

Conditions are still changeable but there is no immediate threat from a bushfire in the North-West, the Tasmania Fire Service says.

Firefighters have been battling the blaze at Browns Creek Rd, Bakers Beach, since Saturday.

The TFS has been attending the fire on Sunday with the Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timbers Tasmania.

“There is no immediate threat,” a TFS spokeswoman said.

“The fire is travelling southeast, towards Browns Creek Rd, Bakers Beach.

“Conditions are changeable.”

The TFS reminded locals 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,” the TFS spokeswoman said.

“Well-prepared homes are expected to be defendable in these conditions.”

A Watch and Act alert had been issued on Saturday as the fire covered 24ha, but the alert was downgraded to Advice level on Sunday.

Fire permits are currently required statewide.

Updates available at fire.tas.gov.au

Saturday December 18, 8.15pm

FIREFIGHTERS believe they are making headway battling a forestry bushfire at Browns Creek Road at Bakers Beach.

The Tasmania Fire Service said conditions are expected to improve, but residents will remain at high risk for the next two hours or so.

Several tankers are involved in fighting the blaze, including two from Parks and Wildlife, four from Sustainable Timber Tasmania and four from the TFS, along with a range of support vehicles.

The fire stretches over 24ha, and a TFS spokesperson warned residents to be wary of the smoke.

“Smoke may be noticeable on Bakers Beach Road, Frankford Road and Bowens Road,” the spokesperson said.

“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. Advice is available from the Department of Health.”

Saturday December 18, 6.45pm

FIREFIGHTERS, rangers and forestry staff are battling an uncontrolled bushfire on Browns Creek Road at Bakers Beach.

The Tasmania Fire Service has issued a Watch and Act alert, warning nearby residents to leave their homes if they are unprepared.

They are warned that embers, smoke and ash may fall on Browns Creek Road and threaten nearby houses, even before the main fire arrives.

A TFS spokesperson said the conditions were expected to worsen, and that residents should remain vigilant.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

“There is no evacuation centre in place. If your family has made a bushfire plan, use it now. If you do not live near Browns Creek Road, Bakers Beach, stay away. The roads could be very dangerous.”

For fire updates, listen to ABC Local Radio or visit the TFS website at fire.tas.gov.au.

Residents evacuated after early-morning fire

Saturday December 18, 6.30pm

A MALE youth is in custody after a fire in central Launceston early on Saturday morning.

About 5am, police were called to the premises at 68-70 St John St, a currently unoccupied business.

The Tasmania Fire Service extinguished the fire a short time later.

The occupants who live in an apartment complex above the business site were evacuated and were not injured.

There was no damage to surrounding businesses.

Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police warning after water rescue

Saturday December 18, 4.30pm

A GIRL aged 10 was rescued from the water at Seven Mile Beach, prompting a safety warning from police.

As the temperature soared past 30C, Hobartians flocked to the beach, but about noon police received information a paddle boarder was in distress at Seven Mile Beach.

The 10-year-old girl from Howrah had drifted about 400m from shore and was unable to return due to the weather conditions.

A 50-year-old man from Acton Park witnessed the incident and entered the water with a body board, but the conditions forced both people further out, police said.

Police, members of the Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter responded to the incident.

The child and the man were located about 1km from shore and winched to safety.

Police thanked the man and members of the club for their assistance, as they reminded people to prepare adequately when enjoying Tasmania’s beaches.

Paddle boarders were encouraged to wear a life jacket, let someone know before you go, know your limits, check the weather and stay attached to your board.

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