Bushfires in the valley

TFS map as at 5pm

WITH local temperatures hovering around 40 degrees this afternoon, significant resources have been directed to several bushfires burning in the Derwent Valley. Meadowbank is the main area of concern, (see emergency warning below) although there is also a fire at Broadmarsh and the ongoing incident at the Styx.

The Tasmania Fire Service is also investigating smoke at Sorell Creek and Maydena.

There are 14 Tasmanian Fire Service vehicles on the scene at Meadowbank, with more on the way. One vehicle is on the scene at Gordon River Rd, Maydena.

The Styx fire has been burning for 12 days and has covered an area of 37 hectares. Heavy fuels continue to burn underground, producing smoke but no risk to surrounding land. Forestry Tasmania fire crews and machinery are on site working to extinguish hot spots and patrolling for flare ups.

Vegetation fires at Lower Swamp Rd, Lachlan, and Ellendale Rd at Ellendale, were quickly contained.

Today's tempterature at Bushy Park peaked at 39.1 degrees at 2.07pm. It was probably hotter at New Norfolk but with no weather station here we will never know.