Bushfires rage across Tasmania and Victoria

Fire fighters, medics and police plan fire control strategies for the evening near Minea in...
Fire fighters, medics and police plan fire control strategies for the evening near Minea in Tasmania's Central Plateau. Photo: Getty Images
Volatile fire conditions have caused bushfires to flare up across Tasmania, with four emergency warnings issues for towns at very high risk of flames and embers on Sunday afternoon.

A fast moving and uncontrollable blaze south west of Hobart will put Geeveston, Port Huon, Cairns Bay, Waterloo, Surges Bay, Brooks Bay, Glendevie and Police Point at risk by 4pm, authorities warned in two different alerts.

"This fire will be uncontrollable and fast moving," authorities have warned, noting burning embers will threaten homes before the main front.

Smoke and ash will reduce visibility and those who can safely leave should do so.

A second warning for Scotchtown, Irishtown and Edith Creek in the far north west warns residents in those areas will face a potential high risk by 5.30pm from an uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving fire.

A difficult to control fire will place Liawenee in the central plateau will be at very high risk through the afternoon.

Authorities had warned of dangerous weather during the afternoon.

About 20 fires are burning out of control across Tasmania , and more than 189,000 hectares have now been destroyed.

Several hundred people remain at an evacuation centre at Huonville, with more expected to arrive throughout the day.

Nearly 700 evacuated to the centre from surrounding communities a few days ago when the bushfire risk was at its worst.

Ricky Clark, the owner of the BP at Geeveston, said people were on edge.

"Over the last few days, everyone's been a bit panicky. The wind comes up and blows one direction. It dies down and goes in a different direction," he said.

"A lot of people live on the outskirts of Geeveston and don't know whether to stay or go."

A total fire ban has been declared for the south, plus parts of the north, and peak gusts of up to 70km/h are tipped.

"We are not out of the woods yet. The weather will put pressure on communities, our people and resources," Tasmania Fire Service chief fire officer Chris Arnol said.

Ten watch and act alerts are in place for blazes across the state.

The possibility fires could burn for weeks prompted the federal government to activate the disaster recovery allowance, providing income assistance for up to 13 weeks for eligible small businesses and employees affected by fires.

A rescue helicopter drops water as Tasmania Fire Service responds to bushfires in Huon Valley....
A rescue helicopter drops water as Tasmania Fire Service responds to bushfires in Huon Valley. Photo: via Reuters
Assistant Home Affairs Minister Linda Reynolds made the announcement at the Huonville evacuation centre with Premier Will Hodgman.

Mr Hodgman has slapped down calls for immediate reviews of the state's fire response, confirming reviews will happen when the crisis has passed.

"The last thing anyone needs now is armchair critics or experts who think they know what they're talking about when we have some of the best firefighting capabilities in the world here in Tasmania and they are currently under enormous stress - we don't want anyone to add to that," he said.

Fires threaten homes in Victoria

Homes are being threatened by a bushfire near the Victorian town of Timbarra in East Gippsland.

An emergency warning has been issued for the blaze, which is headed toward homes south of Gillingill.

Authorities say firefighters have been unable to stop the fire, which has crossed containment lines.

Firefighters battling volatile conditions in central Victoria also have ongoing concerns the towns of Hepburn and Hepburn Springs could be impacted.

Emergency services say the fire could reach the towns on Sunday, but warn extreme heat is likely to kill well before the flames arrive.

Firefighters and police were out doorknocking residents urging them to leave as early as 5am, just 12 hours after the blaze was reported.

It's burning in a difficult to access gorge around Spring Creek, north of the towns.

More than 200 firefighters are involved in the fight, with aircraft supporting firetrucks and heavy machinery on the ground.

A relief centre is open at Victoria Park in nearby Daylesford and authorities say residents should head there via Main Road.

Anyone told to evacuate should do so at the first opportunity, police assistant commissioner Neil Paterson urged.

The fire has also prompted a watch and act message for Daylesford, Dry Diggings, Eganstown, Elevated Plains, Kidds Gully, Porcupine Ridge and Shepherds Flat.

Towns around the Grantville Nature Conservation Reserve near Wonthaggi in the state's south east are also on notice to monitor conditions of a fire burning there.

A wind change is expected in around Grantville on Sunday afternoon.

Hot, dry conditions with temperatures in the 40s prompted a total fire ban across the state and severe fire danger forecasts in the Mallee, Wimmera, South West and Central districts.

Premier Daniel Andrews said 900 firefighters, 300 trucks, 60 bulldozers and 25 aircraft were providing a massive response to fires across the state.

"It's now up to Victorians to exercise good judgment and common sense so that they're ready as well," he said.

CFA chief officer Steve Warrington issued a stark warning.

"The decisions you make on any given day will determine, particularly (Sunday), whether you live or die," Mr Warrington said on Saturday.

"The reality is (Sunday) is a really concerning day for us, and it is time for people to get the information they need. You must do it."

Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp is expected to provide an update on conditions mid-afternoon, around the same time as a cool change is expected to arrive across Western Port and into Melbourne.

While it's expected to bring a rapid drop in temperatures, thunderstorms with minimal rain are also forecast in the eastern parts.

There have been 2000 bush, scrub and grass fires since the start of summer.

Add a Comment