Bushfire alert downgraded for Queenstown, school closed

The bushfire warning for the West Coast hub of Queenstown has been downgraded with firefighters optimistic. Free to read.

Bushfire burning to the south of Queenstown on Tasmania's West Coast. Picture: Warren Donnelly

11.36am: Firefighters are hopeful of containing a bushfire at Queenstown as conditions are expected to improve.

The warning has been downgraded to an advice level for the town to stay informed.

Tasmania Fire Service says there is no immediate threat.

Acting District Officer Peter Dradow said the fire, located between Peters, Colville, Brooklyn and Crotty Sts were first reported about 1.50am this morning.

He said the watch and act alert had been issued early this morning due to increased fire weather including 30km/h northeasterly winds. It has since been downgraded.

“Work has been undertaken by crews to protect assets at risk and create containment lines around the fire, which has so far burnt approximately 30 hectares and is currently uncontrolled,” he said.

“Mountain Heights School and St Josephs Catholic School have both been closed today.”

“The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be a separate incident to the West Coast complex of fires.”

March 12, 8.30am: Mountain Heights School will be closed today because of a bushfire that appears to have ignited in the early hours of the morning.

A fire alert was first issued just before 2am for an uncontrolled blaze burning on Peters St, Queenstown.

Crews from Queenstown, Zeehan, Rosebery and Strahan are attending.

Tasmania Fire Service has currently issued a watch and act alert, urging Queenstown resident to stay informed.

Bushfire burning to the south of Queenstown on Tasmania's West Coast. Picture: Lachlan Watson

At about 6.30am, Tasmania Police said TFS personnel would no longer be evacuating nearby residents from Brooklyn St after earlier plans to do so.

The fire is expected to impact Colville St, Brooklyn St and South Queenstown, with the blaze travelling towards South Queenstown.

People who live in the area are being urged to take action now.

Taken by radio announcer Andrew Roberts on 7XS when arriving to work early in the morning. Bushfire burning to the south of Queenstown on Tasmania's West Coast. Picture: Andrew Roberts

View shows the morning after the bushfire began. Bushfire burning to the south of Queenstown on Tasmania's West Coast. Picture: Warren Donnelly

Wattle Hill bushfire downgraded

Update 4.05pm: Tasmania Fire Service say the bushfire burning at Wattle Hill is no immediate threat to the community.

The warning has been downgraded to an advice level, with nearby residents urged to stay informed.

Crews remain on the ground and are expecting conditions to be changeable.

Update 2.06pm: Delmore Rd at Forcett is now closed between number 360 to Nugent St intersection, police say.

Fire crews continue to respond to a bushfire in the area with a watch and act alert still active.

March 11, 1.30pm: Fire fighters are expecting to face challenging conditions in containing a bushfire in a small town east of Sorell.

The TFS has issued a watch and act alert for Delmore Rd, Wattle Hill at 1.15pm on Tuesday, urging people to monitor conditions as they are changing.

“The fire is travelling in a north, north westerly direction,” they said.

It’s expected to be difficult to control.

Embers, smoke and ash may fall on Delmore Rd, Wattle Hill and surrounding areas.

Tasmania Police has advised Delmore Rd at Forcett was currently closed from number 278 while a response to the incident is underway.

Anyone in the area is urged to take action to protect yourself, your family and your home. Anyone not prepared for a bushfire is being told to be ready to leave for a safer place and to only travel if safe to do so.