Ellendale fire meeting today

RESIDENTS of the Ellendale area have been encouraged to attend a community meeting in the Ellendale Hall at 10am this morning (Tuesday). The Tasmania Fire Service, Local Government and Tasmania Police representatives will be on hand to provide details and answer questions about the current fire situation for residents of Ellendale and the surrounding area.

The Tasmania Fire Service says the main fire activity continues to be on the northern end of the western side, moving across the Broad River area. This area is very steep with rocky terrain and has proved difficult for ground crews to access.

Remote area 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.

Members of the public in the area will need to be cautious of falling trees and branches that may fall with little or no warning. Although cooler conditions are being experienced, residents need to remain vigilant as conditions can change rapidly. Regular updates are provided by ABC Radio and http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/

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.

• ABC TV News report of last week's community meeting at Ellendale