Pelham fire still active, Strathgordon downgraded

TWO bushfire incidents in the Derwent Valley remain at Watch and Act level while the bushfire in the Strathgordon area has been downgraded to Advice level.

The Tasmania Fire Service says the bushfire that started near Pelham, east of Gretna yesterday afternoon, may still put Pelham, Elderslie and Broadmarsh under threat.

"Those in the area are asked to remain vigiliant and those who do not live in the area are advised to still stay away," a TFS spokesman said. "Some roads are blocked by fallen trees and powerlines, so access cannot be guaranteed. TFS are currently working to clear these roads and make the areas safe for people to return to their properties."

Some rain fell on the fireground overnight and the weather conditions are favourable at present, but the TFS says fire behaviour is still unpredictable and fire under these conditions can still be difficult to control.

Firefighters are working to control the fire and construct containment lines. The fire is still very active and remains uncontrolled. Pelham, Elderslie and Broadmarsh may still be threatened with ember attack and residents are asked to be mindful of changing wind conditions. Smoke and ash may make it difficult to see and breathe.

BUSHFIRE WATCH AND ACT MESSAGE FOR PELHAM & SURROUNDING AREAS
BUSHFIRE WATCH AND ACT MESSAGE FOR ELDERSLIE AND BROADMARSH

What to do:

• If your home is well prepared for high-risk fires and you can actively defend it, it should provide shelter.
• If you are going to leave, make sure there is a clear road to a safer place.
• If your family has made a bushfire survival plan, use it now.
• If you don't live in the area, stay away. The roads could become highly dangerous.
• Listen to ABC Local Radio or look at www.fire.tas.gov.au for more information.

Community Information:

• 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 for avoiding smoke from the burn. More advice is available from the Department of Health dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/air/bushfire_smoke or Asthma Australia asthma.org.au/about-asthma/triggers/bushfires-and-smoke/

BUSHFIRE ADVICE FOR STRATHGORDON/SOUTHWEST

The bushfire at Pearce Basin, north of Strathgordon, remains active and is not currently under control. There is no immediate threat from the fire however conditions can change quickly. Although weather conditions have abated, fire under these conditions can still be difficult to control.

Gordon River Rd re-opened this morning but smoke from the fire may still impact the road. - For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police website.

What to do:

* People in the Southwest should keep up to date by listening to ABC Local Radio or look at the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au.

*Well-prepared homes are defendable in these conditions.

* If you are not prepared for a bushfire, think about leaving for a safe place if it gets more dangerous.

*If your family has made a bushfire survival plan, check it now.

Incident number: 19038838. Community Information:

*Smoke from the fire may impact Gordon River Road - 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 dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/air/bushfire_smoke or Asthma Australia asthma.org.au/about-asthma/triggers/bushfires-and-smoke/