Central Highlands Bushfires Update

From Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania

Tasmanians are being encouraged to stay vigilant, as bushfires continue to burn in the state’s Central Highlands.

While several fires are within containment lines, Advice warnings and Smoke Alerts remain in place for areas of the Central Highlands and surrounding areas.

Incident Controller (IC) Andrew McConnon said about 100 firefighters from Tasmania Fire Service (TFS), Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) and Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) continue to work on controlling the fires.

“Over the last week firefighters have done a lot of work, and it’s important for us to get on top of these fires as much as possible now before the higher fire danger weather returns,” he said.

IC McConnon said “we recognise the inconvenience of these fires for the farming community; however, safety is always our number one priority. These road closures allow us to assess fire impacted trees and take appropriate action. When safe to do so people will be allowed back into areas that have been affected by the fires”.

“As well as our ground crews, we have Remote Area Firefighters, heavy machinery and our aircraft working to control the fires.”

IC McConnon said, “Tasmanians need to stay alert, and make good decisions”.

“The message is that people need to be informed,” he said.

“Please avoid any unnecessary fires in the landscape, it’s extremely dry out there, and take extra care if you are using any kind of machinery or equipment that may cause sparks.”

To check the Fire Danger Rating in your area, visit www.fire.tas.gov.au/fire-danger-rating/summary/

For bushfire warnings and alerts and current road limitations visit TasAlert.com or listen to ABC Radio as your emergency broadcaster.