Fire situation tonight and tomorrow

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Tasmania Fire Service
Bushfire Watch & Act Message

Dawson Road, LAKE REPULSE

Current from: 5/01/2013 10:51 PM until: 12/01/2013 8:04AM  or further notice


There is a large bushfire at Dawson Road, LAKE REPULSE. The fire is now due east of Ellendale.

The fire danger rating in this area is forecast to be high. Fire under these conditions can be uncontrollable and unpredictable but fire activity will continue.

Residents that have relocated to a nearby safer place should remain there. Residents that have chosen to stay and defend are to maintain there activated bushfire plan.

The fire is impacting on the communities of Ellendale and Karanja NOW. Residents are instructed move to a Nearby Safer Place as the last resort ONLY if the path is clear. If you are at home, this may provide some shelter.

With predicted weather changes it is expected that the communities of Lawrenny and Hamilton may be directly impacted today, Sunday (06/01/2013). Please remain vigilant.

This fire may affect the community of Ellendale, Gretna, Hamilton, Ouse and Meadowbank

Ellendale, Gretna, Hamilton, Ouse and Meadowbank need to be aware of the fire danger.

This bushfire is currently not controlled. There may be embers, smoke and ash falling on Fentonbury, National Park, Westerway and New Norfolk.

Reported Road Closures: Ellendale Rd is closed from Ellendale to the Lyell Hwy including Dawson Rd. Lake Repulse Rd and Cluny Lagoon Rd near Ouse are closed from the intersection with Lyell Hwy. Pillies Rd at the junction with Ellendale Rd is closed.

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.
• The Community Fire Refuge at the Ouse Hall has CLOSED.
• There is a Community Fire Refuge located at Carinya Education Park next to New Norfolk High School, 103 Blair St, NEW NORFOLK.
• 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 & http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/ for further instructions.

Community Information:
Motorists are advised to slow down and exercise care when driving as the conditions on the road are not optimal. Also be aware of downed power lines and stock that may be wandering in the area and creating a hazard.

Anyone camping in the areas from Lawrenny through Meadowbank to below Hamilton on either side of the River Derwent must leave now.

People who relocate need to be self-sufficient. Community Fire Refuge are is open at Carinya Education Park next to New Norfolk High School, 103 Blair St, NEW NORFOLK.

If you choose not to leave and the fire impacts on you, you may be able to travel to a Nearby Safer Place otherwise you should prepare to shelter in your home. Leaving at the last minute can be extremely dangerous.

Mt Field National Park is closed.

A statewide Tasmania Police hotline has been established for people who are concerned or have queries regarding property and relatives call 1800 567 567.