"Safer places" opened as fire threat continues

RELOCATION centres dubbed "neighbourhood safer places" have been established at Wayatinah Caravan Park, Wayatinah Golf Club and the Ouse Golf Club today, as the fire danger to Ouse started to wain but.Wayatinah was placed on the "watch and act" alert level.

First reported at about 3.30 on Sunday afternoon, the fire grew in size and intensity overnight and today was covering an area of about 4500 hectares between Wayatinah and Ouse in the Upper Derwent Valley. A further three spot fires were also reported.

The Tasmania Fire Service says the fire danger rating in the area is high. Fire under these conditions can be unpredictable. This fire is not currently controlled and may affect the community at Wayatinah overnight. There may be embers, smoke and ash falling on the village and nearby caravan park.

Residents are asked to be vigilant and report any new fires by calling 000. What to do:
* Activate your bushfire plan now.
* If your home is well constructed, prepared and actively defended, it may provide shelter.
* If you don’t have a plan or your plan is to leave – leave now only if the path is clear. 
* There are Neighbourhood Safer Places at Wayatinah Caravan Park and Wayatinah Golf Club. The next nearest Neighbourhood Safer Place is the Ouse Golf Club.

If you are away from home, do not try to return to your home as the roads in this area could be highly dangerous. Non residents should stay away from the affected areas.

Monitor ABC Local Radio and www.fire.tas.gov.au for further instructions