Ouse, Hamilton, Ellendale, Westerway on alert

Tasmania Fire Service
Bushfire Watch & Act Message UPDATE

Current from: 04/01/2013 12:12PM until: 04/01/2013 4:00PM or further notice

There is a large bushfire at Dawson Road, LAKE REPULSE .

The fire danger rating in this area is forecast to be extreme. Fire under these conditions can be uncontrollable and unpredictable

This fire may affect the communities of Ellendale, Meadowbank, Ouse, Hamilton, Fentonbury, National Park and Westerway within the next 4 hours.

This bushfire is currently not controlled. Spot fires will move quickly and come from many directions.

There may be embers, smoke and ash falling on Ellendale, Meadowbank, Ouse, Hamilton, Fentonbury, National Park and Westerway.

Reported Road Closures:  Dawson Road from the intersection with Ellendale Road, Lake Repulse Road near Ouse is closed from the intersection with the Lyell Highway and Pillies Road is closed from the intersection with Ellendale Road.

Current from:  04/01/2013 10:12AM until: 04/01/2013 NOON or further notice
Details in the 8.13am Watch and Act Message (below) remain current with the exception that Ellendale Rd is now open. Mt Field National Park closed.


Tasmania Fire Service
Bushfire Watch & Act Message

Dawson Road, LAKE REPULSE  

Current from:  04/01/2013 8:13AM until: 04/01/2013 09:29AM or further notice

There is a large bushfire at Dawson Road, LAKE REPULSE .

The fire danger rating in this area is forecast to be extreme. Fire under these conditions will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving.

This bushfire is currently not controlled.

This fire may affect the communities of  Ellendale, Meadowbank, Ouse, Hamilton and Westerway  within the next five hours .

Spot fires will move quickly and come from many directions. There may be embers, smoke and ash falling on Ellendale, Meadowbank, Ouse, Hamilton and Westerway, including Dawson Rd from the intersection with Ellendale Rd; Lake Repulse Rd and Cluny Lagoon Rd near Ouse.

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

What to do:

• You need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
• Activate your bushfire plan now. Leaving is the SAFEST option for your survival. Even well prepared properties may not be defendable under the forecast weather conditions
• If you don’t have a bushfire plan or your plan is to leave the affected area, go to a safer location now  if the path is clear. Only stay if your home is well prepared and you can actively defend it. Stay informed in case conditions change
• Non-residents should stay away from the affected areas.
• Monitor ABC Local Radio & http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/ for further instructions..

Community information:
People living in the Lake Repulse area including Broad River, Jones River and Ellendale Rd down as far as Ellendale need to plan NOW. The safest option is to leave in the morning and go to a relative or friend's house away from the affected areas.

Even well prepared properties may not be defendable under the forecast weather conditions. Given the conditions firefighters may not be able to control fires.

People who relocate need to be self-sufficient. A community fire refuge will be opened from 8am in the Ouse Hall, 6955 Lyell Hwy, Ouse.

If you choose not to leave and the fire will impact 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.