Local bushfires update

The scene at Lachlan late last night.

A BUSHFIRE at Lachlan is at present the only fire reported at "Advice" level in Tasmania following yesterday's Total Fire Ban, but three other fires have been identified in the South-West beyond Maydena.

Jefferys Track, Lachlan: Last night around 10pm a bushfire started south Jefferys Track, Lachlan, and is at Advice level. Fire crews attended throughout the night and have been supported with aircraft today. The fire is being brought under control and has burnt through 19 hectares of bushland.

Lachlan Fire Brigade asks everyone to take care on the roads in the area, and to be aware of the  movement of fire appliances, support vehicles and heavy machinery in and out of the fire area on Jeffreys Track.

"Water bombing of the fire has commenced as well as bulldozers trying to push tracks around the fire supported by fire crews. It's steep terrain up there and the fire operation is being overseen by our District Officer," a spokesman posted on Facebook. "Slow down when you sight these vehicles, particularly heavy equipment moving and if fire crews are operating on the roadside, please slow to 40km/h or less."

A Lachlan Fire Brigade vehicle at the
scene of the Jefferys Track fire.

The brigade acknowledged the support of firefighters from New Norfolk, Magra, Molesworth, Bushy Park, Gretna, Brighton and Norkse Skog. Aerial support has been provided by five helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft today.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST UPDATE ON THE LACHLAN FIRE

South-West Area: Around midnight last night a cold front passed over the state, producing a significant number of lightning strikes. Fire detection aircraft were deployed this morning and have identified three fires in the Tasmania's southwest. Thes are two fires in the Twelve Trees Range near Strathgordon and another fire in the Prince of Wales Range. Crews supported with aircraft have been deployed to undertake suppression activities on these isolated fires when conditions are favourable. Additional detection flights are planned for the coming days.

An Advice message is currently in place for Jefferys Track. People in the area need to remain observant and keep up-to-date as conditions can change.

• People are asked to monitor the TFS website at fire.tas.gov.au or listen to ABC Local Radio.
• For information on walking track closures, please visit the Wellington Park website: wellingtonpark.org.au/
• For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police website: police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/
• People with medical conditions are advised to have a personal plan to manage the risks of smoky days. Advice is available from the Department of Health at dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/air/bushfire_smoke/, or the Asthma Foundation of Tasmanian asthmatas.org.au

If you have not already done so, now is the time to complete, or check, your bushfire survival plan. More information on bushfire survival plans can be found at the TFS website.