Southwest bushfire information update

Map showing the location of the Gell River fire (black border)
and the other fires burning throughout the south (white diamonds).
Click image to enlarge.

TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE

Bushfire Information and Travel Advice

Southwest Tasmania

ACROSS Tasmania, more than 70 fires were reported due to dry lightning ignitions on the evening of January 15, 2019. Around 50 of these fires are in the south of Tasmania with at least 20 fires in the Southwest National Park and Southwest Conservation Area.

An Advice Alert remains in place for the (18,700ha) Gell River fire burning to the northwest of Maydena in the Franklin-Lower Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. There is no immediate threat to people living in the area however conditions can change quickly.

Please check the following websites for current information on:

• Fire warnings and advice messages at the TFS website. This information is reviewed and updated regularly. All of the alerts are time-stamped at the bottom of the page.
• Track and park closures at the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website (click on Track/Reserve Closures & Visitor Advice).
• Road Closures at the Tasmania Police website.

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service asks that visitors do not start extended bushwalks or four-wheel driving in remote areas of the southwest until further notice.

If you are a visitor to the area, you need to:

• Regularly check for updated messages and alerts on the TFS website.
• Check www.parks.tas.gov.au for the most current advice on park, campground and track
• closures.
• Listen to ABC local radio which will broadcast any Alerts and Warnings that are issued.
• There may be smoke on the roads so please drive carefully and put your headlights on.
• Report new fires by phoning Triple Zero (000).

If you live in the area, you need to:

• Review your bushfire survival plan and decide now what to do if a fire starts nearby.
• Make yourself familiar with the Community Protection Plan for your area on the TFS website, particularly to identify your Nearby Safer Place should you need it.
• Regularly check for updated messages and alerts on the TFS website.
• Listen to ABC Local Radio which will broadcast any Alerts and Warnings that are issued.
• There may be smoke on the roads so please drive carefully and put your headlights on.
• Report new fires by phoning Triple Zero (000).

THE GELL RIVER (SOUTH WEST) FIRE
The fire which has burnt about 18,700ha remains uncontained and continues to burn approximately 20km northwest of Maydena. The southern fire edge is approximately 7km north of Adamsfield. The most up-to-date information on the Gell River fire can be obtained from the TFS website.

For information on how smoke from bushfires can affect your health, and emergency assistance availability. Check the Department of Health and Human Services website.

STAY INFORMED

• For general fire safety advice and fire preparation please go to www.fire.tas.gov.au
• Bushfire: Prepare Act Survive;
• Community Bushfire Planning - for the Bushfire Protection Plan for your town or area.
• For Alerts and Warnings: Listen to ABC local radio or a commercial FM radio station with good reception in the area.