Key Takeaways
- A bushfire in the east-coast Tasmanian locality of Dolphin Sands has destroyed or damaged 19 houses or shacks, 15 outbuildings, and four vehicles.
- The fire has left residents waiting to see the extent of the damage to their properties, with some still unable to return to their homes.
- The area is prone to bushfires, with at least eight fires breaking out in the past 15 years, and residents are advised to be prepared and have emergency plans in place.
- The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities have warned that the area’s coastal heath landscape makes it highly flammable.
- Residents are being advised to stay updated on the situation through the TasAlert website and to prioritize their safety above all else.
Introduction to the Bushfire
The small east-coast community of Dolphin Sands in Tasmania has been ravaged by a bushfire that tore through the area, leaving behind ash and rubble. The fire, which was contained by the Tasmania Fire Service, has destroyed or damaged 19 houses or shacks, 15 outbuildings, and four vehicles. The community, which is home to around 180 residents, is no stranger to bushfires, with at least eight breaking out in the past 15 years. Despite the frequent threat of fire, residents say it is simply part of life in the area and all they can do is be prepared and hope for the best.
Resident Experiences
For residents like Diane Bricknell, the fire was a close call. She was one of many who evacuated the area, fleeing with her dogs and a few possessions. While she has been around for other fires and seen neighbors lose homes, this is the closest the blaze has ever come to her property. "It’s just luck of the fire," she said. "Apparently, my house survived, but it burnt each side of my house and it burnt my shed down, it burned underneath my caravan, but the caravan’s fine." Other residents, like Paul Haddad, have been lucky enough to have their properties spared, but they are well aware of the risks and have taken precautions to safeguard their homes.
Fire-Prone Area
The area’s coastal heath landscape makes it highly flammable, with a high oil content that can drive fires under almost any conditions. Tasmania Fire Service regional fire commander Simon Pilkington said that Dolphin Sands is a highly flammable area, with the type of fuel that can spread quickly with wind. "Dolphin Sands, it’s covered predominantly in coastal heath, so [Acacia] boobialla coastal wattle … it’s connected nearly continuously all the way through," he said. The area’s terrain and vegetation make it prone to bushfires, and residents are advised to be prepared and have emergency plans in place.
Emergency Response
The emergency response to the fire was swift, with crews from a number of brigades enlisted in the firefighting effort. Incident controller Mark Klop thanked the Dolphin Sands community for its "incredible resilience and community spirit" in recent days. "At this stage, it is not safe for residents or vehicles to enter the area. Significant debris remains on properties, including roofing materials and contaminants," he said. The safety of the community and responding emergency services is the top priority, and residents are urged to stay updated on the situation through the TasAlert website.
Aftermath and Recovery
As the community begins to recover from the fire, residents are waiting to see the extent of the damage to their properties. The road east of 191 Dolphin Sands Road remains closed, and authorities are determining when it can safely reopen. Premier Jeremy Rockliff commended firefighters and State Emergency Service crews for their efforts, saying "My heart goes out to all those homeowners, shack owners, and their families who have been impacted." The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but residents are advised to prioritize their safety above all else and to stay updated on the situation.
Prevention and Preparedness
The frequent occurrence of bushfires in the area highlights the importance of prevention and preparedness. Residents like Paul Haddad have taken precautions to safeguard their properties, including installing fire-resistant materials and having emergency plans in place. However, despite their best efforts, residents are aware that there is only so much they can do to prevent fires. The area’s terrain and vegetation make it prone to bushfires, and residents must be prepared for the worst. As one resident said, "It’s one of those things, nature is fierce, and you can do your best … you just hope that it’ll work out."