Tuesday night bushfire update

FIRE agencies are using favourable weather conditions to continue strengthening containment lines for fires burning across the state. A total of 24 fires are currently actively burning, with a total burnt area of 195,000 hectares to date.

Fire activity increased on Monday night in the Central Highlands, when the Great Pine Tier fire threatened the area of Brandum. An Emergency Warning was enacted and the fire reached within 200m of properties. Residents around Brandum and Reynolds Neck were asked to leave and crews successfully protected properties that were under direct threat.

There was an outbreak on the northern boundary of the Riveaux Rd fire on Monday near Lonnavale. This fire remains very active and unpredictable. A new fire started at Strathblane and crews are working to contain the 6.5 hectare fire which is believed to have started when a tree fell onto powerlines.

Aircraft operations have been difficult today due to low cloud cover across most of the state. House loss details to date include four houses in the Riveaux Road fire in the Huon Valley and three houses in the Great Pine Tier fire in the Central Plateau. There have also been some houses that have received some moderate damage. Detailed impact assessments are under way statewide and further details of property loss will be provided once these assessments are completed.

The Gell River fire in the southwest was today downgraded from a Watch and Act message to an Advice message.

More than 700 personnel have been working on the fires today, including 182 personnel from interstate and New Zealand. While some rain is forecast this week, people are reminded to remain vigilant and closely monitor the TFS website and ABC local radio as the situation may change rapidly.

TFS advises:
If you don't need to be in the areas under an Emergency Warning or Watch and Act, then stay away.
If you're staying to defend your property, monitor the conditions closely and stay alert as conditions can change quickly.
Stay up to date at www.fire.tas.gov.au or by listening to ABC local radio.
Visit the www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/ for road closures.