Tasmania breaking news: Police confirm a person was found dead in a structure fire in South Burnie

Tragically a person has been confirmed dead from a house fire in the state’s North-West. Here’s what we know so far.

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Investigations underway into tragic fatal house fire

11.25am: Police have sadly confirmed a person has been found dead in a house fire in South Burnie last night.

Police on routine patrol raised alarm after coming across the property on fire in Hale St about 1.30am.

South Burnie fatal house fire. July 15, 2024. Picture: Simon McGuire

Fire fighters quickly arrived to the scene and extinguished the blaze in about 15 minutes.

“Sadly, a person’s body was located inside. Investigations to identify the person are underway,” a police spokesperson said.

TFS fire investigators will continue to examine the scene to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this stage.

A report will also be prepared for the coroner.

South Burnie fatal house fire. July 15, 2024. Picture: Simon McGuire

South Burnie fatal house fire. July 15, 2024. Picture: Simon McGuire

Wild weather conditions hinders rescue of three walkers

July 15, 8am: Walkers who raised alarm on Sunday evening have been found cold, but alive and well in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

The two adults and child were located overnight by a search party of eight members who stayed with the walkers overnight providing them with food and provisions to keep warm.

Police said due to inclement weather conditions a helicopter was unable to be dispatched upon responding to a personal locator beacon.

They say attempts will be made to retrieve the party by helicopter this morning depending on the weather.

Wind warnings are current for large parts of the state.

Learner driver clocked driving nearly 60km/h over limit

July 14, 8am: Uniform police allege a young learner driver was more than 50km/h over the speed limit on the Midland Highway at Perth on Saturday afternoon.

The 16-year-old Hobart driver was clocked driving at 168km/h in a 110km/h zone while accompanied by a supervising driver and another passenger, police say.

The vehicle — a red Holden Commodore — has been clamped for 28 days, and police say the teenager will be proceeded against for the matter by summons.

Police are reminding supervising drivers of the importance of their role in teaching learner drivers safe driving behaviours to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Tasmanian roads.

Man allegedly tried to murder three officers with house fire

A 33-year-old man has been accused of attempting to murder three police officers in the state’s North West on Wednesday.

Police say the man, from Forest, had an electronic monitoring device which alerted authorities to an incident.

It’s alleged when police arrived at the Forest home shortly after noon, the man started a fire inside the home, which was quickly contained before the man was taken into custody.

The man was the only person home at the time.

“He has since been charged with arson and three counts of attempted murder in relation to the fire, and actions he allegedly took against attending officers,” a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

“He has also been charged with five counts of breaching an interim family violence order.”

The officers were not injured during the incident.

The man is due to appear in court this afternoon.

Learner driver has vehicle clamped for hooning

July 11: A learner driver has had his vehicle clamped after being caught hooning and drink driving in the state’s North West overnight.

The 21-year-old man from Ulverstone was nabbed in Wilson St Burnie about 2am Thursday morning.

He was breathalysed and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.019 – learner drivers have a zero blood alcohol limit.

The man was charged with hooning-related offences, drink driving, and driving without being accompanied by a supervisor.

His licence was disqualified for six months, and his vehicle has been clamped for 28 days.

He was bailed to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court at a later date.

The incident follows a spate of drink driving and speeding incidents in the state’s West and North West.

In the Western District, Tasmania Police say they seized 27 vehicles, caught 60 drivers speeding – including eight at “high range” – and at least 49 people drink driving over May and June.

During this period, there were also 133 drivers returning positive illicit drug test readings.

In response to the figures, Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Martin Parker said the results were disappointing.

Tasmania Police conducting operations in the Western District. Picture: Supplied.

“Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and speeding are two of the five major contributors to serious and fatal crashes,” Inspector Parker said.

“This type of dangerous driving behaviour puts all road users at risk, particularly at this time of year when we are experiencing wet and icy conditions on our roads.

“That is why we will continue to proactively patrol our roads to ensure everyone is doing the right thing and driving to the conditions.”

Police said that of the 60 people caught speeding, a third of the drivers were travelling at least 30km/h over the limit.

Meanwhile, 16 of the drunk drivers caught had blood alcohol readings of more than three times the legal limit.

Firefighters arrive to Risdon Prison’s mental health facility

10.35am: Firefighters are on the scene of a structure fire at the Wilfred Lopes Centre, Risdon Prison, a specialised mental health facility that treats people involved with the criminal system.

Crews say they arrived to find a small fire in the USP System — a back up power system.

It isn’t clear whether the blaze spread beyond the tech box.

More delays on outlet after another crash

Update 10.30: The Southern Outlet at Kingston is now clear from the earlier crashes.

Earlier 9.15am: Another crash is impacting Hobart-bound traffic on the Southern Outlet.

Police have reported another incident at Kingston heading towards Hobart in the start of the 100km/h zone.

Delays can be anticipated until the scene is cleared. Motorists have been urged to slow down and rive with caution in the area.

Officers say no injuries have been reported at this stage.

July 10, 8am: Emergency services have cleared a seven car pileup on the Southern Outlet heading towards Hobart — but traffic congestion remains.

Multiple car crash on Hobart's Southern Outlet. Picture: Marcus John/Facebook

A seven car crash at Tolmans Hill closing one lane of traffic was first reported at 6.35am on Wednesday.

Traffic was diverted from Margate via the Channel Highway for travel into the city.

No injuries were reported from this crash.

A second crash was later reported at 7.30am between Kingston and Tolmans Hill adding to congestion.

Police reported just before 8am that the two crashes had been cleared but traffic congestion remained.

Police continue to investigate serious Kings Meadows crash

10.20am: Early investigations indicate a serious crash in Northern Tasmania may be been caused by inattention, police say.

They’re continuing investigations into the incident that trapped the driver and sole occupant of a Toyota Hilux that reportedly crashed into two parked cars.

Officers say the ute then rolled onto its roof.

It took emergency services four and a half hours to clear the scene at Quarantine Rd, Kings Meadows on Sunday afternoon.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Vehicle rolled onto its side after crash at Launceston

Update, 10.13am: Paramedics have rushed a person to Launceston General Hospital after a two vehicle crash.

The extent of the person’s injuries has not been reported.

The scene of the incident at George and Elizabeth streets in Launceston has been cleared.

July 8, 9.20am: It is unknown whether those involved in a two vehicle crash, where one reportedly rolled onto its side, has caused injuries to those involved.

Emergency services have rushed to the intersection of George and Elizabeth Streets in Launceston following the incident.

Motorists have been asked to avoid the area until the scene is cleared.

Single vehicle crash triggers icy road warning

July 7, 8.45am: Emergency services attended a single vehicle crash on the Southern Outlet near the Lea.

Impacting the northbound lane, there were no injuries reported.

Officers advised there had been several reports of ice on the Southern Outlet heading in both directions.

Motorists have been urged to travel with care between Hobart and Kingston this morning as conditions can be very slippery.

It’s not the only road impacted by frosty conditions in Tasmania this morning with the closure of Atkinson Road, Grindlewald – Skyline Avenue to the West Tamar Highway and Paradise Road Sheffield, closed due to ice.

Meanwhile roads reportedly affected by ice and/or snow are the following: (as of 10.12am)

• Anthony Road – heavy frost identified from Shaded Creek towards Tullah, Frost identified Quin Creek 3km towards Tullah. Frost identified Howards Road 3km towards Tullah, frost
• identified intersection to Tyndall Rd
• Arthur Highway – Patchy Ice Forcett area.
• Batman Highway – Ice patches om the bridge.
• Belvior Rd Cradle Mountain – Ice patches – 4WD vehicles only – motorists to observe 40km/h signs placed in the area.
• Blessington Road on Corra Linn bridge – ice patches.
• Cethana Road – Olivers Road and Moina – ice patches.
• Colebrook Road/Mud Walls Road – Icy patches throughout.
• Cradle Mountain/Dove Lake – Frost identified from welcome to Cradle sign for 500m to Peppers Lodge.
• East Tamar Highway – Heavy Ice – near Dalrymple Road – extreme caution
• Elephant Pass Road – Icy patches between Mount Elephant Road and Dalmayne Road.
• Fingerpost Road – Patchy ice throughout.
• Forth Road – Forth hotel to top of hill
• Frankford Road – Exeter to Saxons Creek, and Bakers Beach Road to Wallaby Creek.
• Grasstree Hill Road – Icy patches throughout.
• Highland Lakes Road – Patchy ice throughout Apsley to Miena
• Highland Lakes Road – Brodies Road to Marlborough Highway – use extreme caution due to ice.
• Huon Highway – Sandfly to Grove – Ice.
• Lake St Clair Road – Icy patches throughout.
• Lake Dobson Road – Heavy Ice Extreme Caution for slippery conditions.
• Lake Leake Highway – Heavy frost between Tasman Highway and Midland Highway.
• Launceston City Council Roads; – Bald Hill Road, Gorge Road
• Lilydale Road – Rocherlea to Prossers Road- Ice patches.
• Lyell Highway – Hamilton Hill to Derwent Bridge – Patchy ice.
• Lyell Highway – Collingwood River to Derwent Bridge – Light frost, however ice detected from Taffeys Bridge to Mt Arrowsmith.
• Lyell Highway – Macquarie Heads to Collingwood River – Light Frost – Gormanston Hill, Ice Donghues Hill
• Marlborough Road – Icy Patches throughout.
• Massey-Greene Drive – Ice patches
• Meander Valley Road – Ice patches, Prospect to Deloraine
• Midland Highway – Icy Patches – Constitution Hill and Spring Hill. Patchy Ice in elevated areas north of Oatlands – Extreme Caution.
• Mole Creek Road/Liena Road/Mersey Forest Road – Ice patches at the ‘Needles’ and ice detected Caravan Park to Mayberry.
• Murchison Highway, Anthony Road intersection to Somerset – Yolla bridge to 100km/h signage heading south, Ice detected 15km south of Yolla to Highclere turn-off, Patchy ice from top of
• Gorge to fingerpost. Ice detected from Fossy river to Cradle turn off.
• Murchison Highway – Zeehan intersection to Cradle Mountain intersection -Heavy ice patches at Animal Creek to Cradle turn off.
• Murchison Highway – Cradle Mountain intersection to Somerset – Frost detected between Choveaux Rd and Harnetts Rd, Harnetts Rd to Hellyer Gorge, Frost on Hellyer river Bridge to Parwee, Frost identified on Wandle River bridge to Guilford intersection. Mountain Road to Que River, frost detected from Tupsley Creek to Moory Rd
• Olivers Road – Mt Roland lookout to Lemonthyme power station, Mersey Valley lookout to Mersey River Bridge
• Poatina Road – Highland Lakes Road to Poatina village.
• Ridgley Highway from Burnie to Highclere – ice patches.
• Ridgley Highway – Highclere to Fingerpost – Forico to Whey river, Ice detected Hellyer river to Wander
• River Road – Latrobe to East Devonport – ice.
• Sheffield Road/Claude Road – Ice detected between Nook Rd and winery.
• Southern Outlet – both directions between Hobart and Kingston – Heavy Ice patches.
• Tarkine Tourist Road – Ice patches.
• Tasman Highway – Orielton to Buckland – Icy patches throughout.
• Tasman Highway – Heavy ice patches in whole north east, particularly between Branxholm and Scottsdale, also on the Sideling. Frost patches from Pyengana to Moorina and St Helens to Goshen- Ice patches.
• Tunnack Road – Ice throughout.
• Waratah Road – Ice patches from Fingerpost to Waratah. Ice detected Waratah Shop to Arthur River
• West Tamar Highway – Icy patches – Legana to Beauty Point
• West Tamar Council area – Icy Roads.
• Priestleys Lane, Frankford
• Notley Hills Road, Bridgenorth
• Regatta Rd, Trevallyn
• Bridgenorth Rd, Bridgenorth
• Holwell Road, (off Frankford Road)
• Zeehan Highway – Anthony Road turn off for approx. 5km heading to Zeehan