Bushfire advice for today

TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE
DAWSON ROAD, LAKE REPULSE

Alert Level: Advice
Last Updated: 17-Jan-2013 09:34
First Reported: 03-Jan-2013 11:33
Location: Dawson Road, LAKE REPULSE
Type: VEGETATION FIRE
Status: Going*
Size: 11,620 ha


Bushfire Advice Message Dawson Road, LAKE REPULSE
Current from:17/01/2013 09:33 AM until: 17/01/2013 12:30 PM or further notice

There has been a large bushfire at Dawson Road, LAKE REPULSE. The fire danger rating in this area still remains high, though moderate conditions prevail. Fire under these conditions can be difficult to control. The main area of this fire continues to burn in the Broad River area producing some smoke that may be visible to the communities of Ellendale, Karanja, Westerway, Hamilton, Ouse and Risbys Road.

Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and be prepared for any changes in fire activity. There is no immediate threat to communities. Parts of this bushfire are currently not controlled.

Reported Road Closures: Lake Repulse Road and Cluny Lagoon Road near Ouse are closed from the intersection with the Lyell Highway. Dunrobin Road Bridge over Sabbath Creek is closed. Dawsons Road, Meadowbank is open to residents only. Southern walking tracks and camping grounds remain closed. A 7 tonne load limit applies to the bridge on the Cluny Lagoon Road (over Cluny Lagoon and the Repulse Dam bridge.

What to do: Check your bushfire plan now; well constructed and prepared homes are defendable in these conditions. If you don't have a bushfire plan or your plan is to leave, consider leaving the affected area for a relative or friends place if conditions worsen, only if the path is clear. Unless you are a resident or have urgent business, consider avoiding travel in this area. Stay informed in case conditions change. Monitor ABC Local Radio & TFS Website www.fire.tas.gov.au for further information.

Community Information:

The main activity continues along the Broad River, with slow moving fire following the valley terrain. This location is very steep with rocky terrain and has proved to be very difficult for fire crews to access.

Remote area fire teams, from New Zealand and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service are continuing to work in that area. Forestry Tasmania and Norske Skog crews are continuing to consolidate secondary containment lines, while aerial surveillance with infra red technology has been locating hot spots on the fires perimeter for ground crews to effectively blacken out.

Fire crews are continually patrolling and blacking out all fire edges. Members of the public in these areas will need to be cautious of falling trees and branches that may fall with little or no warning.

Warm to hot conditions will be experienced today, residents need to remain vigilant as conditions can change rapidly. Motorists need to drive with care. There may be fallen trees and wandering stock near roads creating hazards. Mt Field National Park is open for day use only. For further details please refer to www.parks.tas.gov.au

TFS Attending Resources:
Resources Arrived:
3 x LIGHT TANKER
1 x CAR
1 x ROTARY WING: LIGHT
2 x PERSONNEL CARRIER

Resources Mobilised:
2 x PERSONNEL CARRIER
1 x TFS
1 x ROTARY WING: LIGHT

Non-TFS Attending Resources:
Parks and Wildlife Service
Resources on-ground - 5 x LIGHT TANKERS
Forestry Tasmania ground crews
Norske Skog ground crews
New Zealand Remote Area Crews
Earth moving machinery contractors