Key Takeaways
- A bushfire is burning near a beachside community on Tasmania’s east coast, with at least two properties lost and hundreds of residents displaced.
- The fire has been upgraded to emergency level, with residents in Stieglitz being told to "leave immediately" due to the uncontrolled blaze.
- Firefighters are battling the fire, with additional crews joining the effort on Wednesday, including a Black Hawk helicopter from the mainland.
- The cause of the fire is under investigation, and weather conditions on Wednesday are expected to be more favorable for firefighting.
- Over 800 people have been left without power, with powerlines damaged and TasNetworks working to assess the situation and restore power as soon as possible.
Introduction to the Bushfire
The bushfire burning near a beachside community on Tasmania’s east coast has caused significant damage and disruption, with at least two properties lost and hundreds of residents displaced. The fire, which started on Tuesday afternoon, quickly escalated to emergency level before being downgraded to watch and act overnight, only to be upgraded again to emergency level on Wednesday morning. Residents in Stieglitz are being told to "leave immediately" as the uncontrolled blaze travels towards Peron Street, with the fire expected to put lives in danger and potentially destroy homes.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters have been battling the blaze, with 30 firefighters from the north working on the fire into the night, using 28 firefighting trucks, three aircraft, and two heavy machines. Tasmania Fire Service incident controller Steve Richardson said that the firefighters had tried to save the two properties, but they were surrounded by dense vegetation and became too dangerous to defend. The key priorities on Wednesday are to protect properties in Stieglitz behind Perin Street, where the fire is close, and to keep the edge east of the Tasman Highway, with erratic winds expected to put pressure on the highway.
Evacuation Centre
The evacuation centre at the Break O’Day Community Stadium has been busy overnight, with hundreds of people seeking shelter and assistance. Break O’Day Mayor Mick Tucker said that it had been a busy night, with many people staying overnight and the Navy Cadets opening up their accommodation to provide additional support. The centre will stay open on Wednesday, with the council putting on a barbecue for volunteers and people displaced. The community has shown significant goodwill, with many people offering their homes and accommodation to those in need.
Power Outages and Investigation
Over 800 people have been left without power, with powerlines damaged and TasNetworks working to assess the situation and restore power as soon as possible. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with the Tasmania Fire Service and other authorities working to determine the origin of the blaze. Weather conditions on Wednesday are expected to be more favorable for firefighting, with additional fire crews joining the effort, including a Black Hawk helicopter from the mainland.
Support and Resources
The community has come together to support those affected by the bushfire, with many people offering their homes and accommodation to those in need. The evacuation centre will continue to provide support and assistance, with the council putting on a barbecue for volunteers and people displaced. The Tasmania Fire Service and other authorities are working to bring the fire under control, with additional resources being allocated to the effort. The public is being urged to stay updated with the latest advice and information, with the TasAlerts website and ABC Emergency providing regular updates and alerts.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The bushfire burning near a beachside community on Tasmania’s east coast is a significant and ongoing incident, with many people affected and displaced. The firefighting efforts are continuing, with additional resources being allocated to the effort. The community has come together to support those affected, with many people offering their homes and accommodation to those in need. The public is being urged to stay updated with the latest advice and information, with the TasAlerts website and ABC Emergency providing regular updates and alerts. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with the authorities working to determine the origin of the blaze and prevent similar incidents in the future.