Heritage lost to fire

AN overnight fire has destroyed one of the heritage buildings adjoining the Willow Court Oval at New Norfolk. Despite heavy rain falling at times, the deliberately-fit fire gutted the former F Ward and its remains will face demolition this week.

The fire was reported just before midnight, and three crews from the New Norfolk Fire Brigade were soon on scene, finding the solid brick building well alight. Support was called in from the Hobart Fire Brigade, including an aerial (snorkel) unit.

Incident controller Peter Brazendale said the fire appeared to have several points of origin, suggesting it was a case of arson.

Firefighters remain on the scene as the building continues to smolder. The building dates to the late 1930s and is part of the former hospital site owned by the Derwent Valley Council. The council recently resolved to offer F Ward and three adjoining buildings for sale by expressions of interest.

Meadowbank open days

MEADOWBANK Vineyard has pushed ahead with its scheduled open days this weekend despite the devastation it has suffered in the last week. The Ellis family is welcoming visitors again tomorrow (Sunday) from noon until 5pm as part of the annual Southern Vineyards Open Weekend. Read more in the Mercury's report here.

Fire likely to burn for weeks

Mayors Flint and Evans with Gerald Crawford

THE Meadowbank bushfire had been caused by a car driving in long grass last Saturday, the Bushy Park community was told at a fire service briefing today.

About 20 members of the public attended the 1pm meeting at the Bushy Park War Memorial Swimming Pool Hall, along with representatives of Local Government and the Tasmania Fire Service, Tasmania Police, State Emergency Service and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

TFS incident controller Greg Butters said rain was expected later tonight and this would help to bring the fire under control. Fire crews will remain at the scene for the next few days at least, blackening out control lines. An infra-red survey carried out this morning had indicated the hot-spots that needed further attention.

Mr Butters said the fire was likely to burn for several weeks to come, until there was significant rain.

TFS district officer Gerald Crawford urged everyone to become better prepared for bushfires and grassfires. "For those who haven't done any fire protection planning around their home, now is the time to do so," he said.

Latest advice: Current from: 3/3/2012 4:26PM until: 4/3/2012 9:30AM or further notice

There is a large bushfire at Meadowbank Rd, Meadowbank, which is in the process of being contained.

The fire danger rating in this area is forecast to be low-moderate. Fire under these conditions can be controlled .

There is no immediate threat to communities. This bushfire is predominately within established containment lines.

At times during the day there may be smoke in the area due to back burning operations near Rockmount Rd and along Ellendale Rd, from Gordon River Rd north to Jones River Rd. 

Reported road closures: Nil

What to do:

• Review your bushfire plan now; well constructed and prepared homes are defendable in these conditions.
• Unless you are a resident or on business, consider avoiding travel in this area.
• Stay informed in case conditions change.
• Monitor ABC Local Radio and www.fire.tas.gov.au for further information.

Meadowbank bushfire meeting

THE Tasmania Fire Service will hold a public meeting at the Bushy Park War Memorial Swimming Pool tomorrow (Saturday) at 1pm, to update the local community on the Meadowbank fire. This update will include information on the current situation and what TFS has planned over the next few days.

Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting to gain firsthand information on the current situation. More than 5000 hectares has been burnt but the fire is largely contained and firefighting crews will continue to strengthen containment lines.

The public is asked to remain vigilant and report any new fires or suspicious activity by phoning triple zero (000). Continue to monitor ABC Local Radio and http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/ for further information and instructions.

The Tasmania Fire Service, the Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Tasmania are continuing to work together to control this fire. At times there may be smoke in the area due to backburning operations near Rockmount Rd and along Ellendale Rd, from Gordon River Rd north to Jones River Rd.


There are no reported road closures.

Ouse fire updates

A VEGETATION fire covering about three hectares on Lake Repulse Rd, Ouse, is still being patrolled at regular intervals by Tasmania Fire Service crews.

Some 395 hectares of grassland and light bush land was burnt out by a fast moving fire on Sunday, between Lanes Tier Rd and Victoria Valley Rd near Ouse. There is now no fire activity in the area and TFS crews have consolidated control lines throughout Monday and Tuesday.

Firefighters will patrol the area over the next week. A small amount of smoke may be seen in the area and people shouldn’t be alarmed by this. Anyone with concerns about fire activity in the area should report it by calling triple zero (000).

New Norfolk fire

QUICK action by the New Norfolk Fire Brigade has doused a grass fire near the Valley Childrens Centre in New Norfolk tonight. The incident in Ring Rd was reported at about 10.10pm and was extinquished shortly after. The fire was on the site of Ward 1, the former Royal Derwent Hospital building that was destroyed in an arson attack late last year.

Karanja tragedy

ABC News has a report of today's fatality on Gordon River Rd at Karanja. The report can be read here.

Condolences to all involved.

FRIDAY UPDATE: Counsellors on duty, the Mercury reports here.