Tough terrain around Pelham and Elderslie hampers firefighting efforts

Hills, steep gullies and “near-canyon type cliffs” have hampered firefighters as they tackle the Pelham blaze, with the TFS confirming at least one property has been destroyed.

AT least one home has been destroyed in a bushfire in the Upper Derwent Valley, but there are fears for many other properties as crews continue efforts to control the blaze.

The Tasmania Fire Service on Tuesday night confirmed the loss of the property, and said the number could increase as more impact assessments were performed.

A watch and act alert remained in place for the 1600ha blaze, which was started by lightning strikes in the rural area of Pelham on Monday afternoon.

It had also placed the townships of Broadmarsh and Elderslie at risk, with many residents fleeing their homes.

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Firefighters are working to control the fire and construct containment lines.

Damage caused by the fire in Pelham. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Meanwhile, a bushfire information session was held for affected residents at the Broadmarsh Hall at 7pm.

The TFS said road access was open to residents, however it was hindered by fallen trees, powerlines and other debris.

Earlier, authorities confirmed the fire damaged “a handful” of structures but could not say how many, while warning the danger for the blaze was not yet over.

Locals look to contain a fire along Elderslie Rd, Elderslie. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

TFS senior station officer Andrew Skelly said strong winds and challenging terrain continued to hamper firefighting efforts.

“We’re trying to get some containment lines in, but we’re up against a lot of big hills, steep gullies, near-canyon type cliffs,” he said.

“The terrain is one aspect and even though it’s cooler, the wind has been quite breezy and causing the fire to take off in different areas.”

Mr Skelly said several bulldozers were being used, while helicopters were working to put out spot fires in inaccessible areas.

Mr Skelly said the nature of the terrain, remote locations of homes, and the wind meant the danger remained.

Simon Green with his father Barry Green out the front of his Pelham property which was saved by firefighters. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Meanwhile, a Pelham homeowner has spoken of his gratitude for the TFS after they saved his property as the fire took over the area.

Simon Green was not at home when the blaze raged out of control, but his wife Dawn was, and she managed to grab some prized possessions before fleeing.

Mr Green’s father Barry and his partner Val also evacuated the scene.

The family stayed with friends in Glenorchy on Monday night as the fire threatened their home.

“Our neighbours up on top of the hill called us, they stayed and defended,” Mr Green said.

“They walked down and gave us a verbal that the house was intact, so that settled things down a bit, the nerves.”

Thick smoke severely reduced visibility along Elderslie Rd. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Green was allowed to return to the property on Tuesday morning, to find the home was untouched despite flames having come within metres of the structure.

He said he was overcome with a feeling of relief.

“We’re really lucky,” he said.

Mr Green said he struggled to find the words to describe how thankful he was to firefighters.

“We’re definitely going to be donating this year to the Tas Fire Service for sure,” he said.

“What can you say? They risk their lives, it just makes you get wet in the eyes.”

In the state’s North-East, an emergency warning was issued for a fire at Mangana Rd in the Fingal Valley.

The blaze, affecting Tower Hill, northwest of Fingal, started on Monday afternoon and has burnt more than 4000ha.

An advice message remained in place for a fire near Strathgordon, in the state’s South-West.

It has burnt about 3000ha.