Emergency financial assistance is now available for Tasmanian communities devastated by yesterday’s bushfires, with at least 19 homes damaged at Dolphin Sands alone.
The coastal community bore the brunt of extreme fire conditions on Thursday, when winds exceeding 100km/h fanned flames across several hundred hectares.
Tasmania Fire Service Commissioner Jeremy Smith confirmed the damage also includes outbuildings and vehicles, though the number could rise as crews complete safety assessments.
“The fire itself … is 700 hectares in size,” he said. “However, we believe we have lost a number of structures in that area.”
The damage ranges from minor impact to total destruction, while some properties within the burnt area managed to survive the intense fire and ember attack.
“At present we know 19 houses or shacks have been damaged, 15 outbuildings damaged and four vehicles,” he said.
“This number may increase as the crews go through the fire ground, make it safe and assess the damage.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced immediate financial support for affected residents across Dolphin Sands, Levendale and Glenlusk.
“Grants of financial assistance, emergency assistance grants will be available to the residents,” he said.
The grants provide $250 per adult, $125 per child and $1,000 per family for those forced to evacuate, unable to return home or isolated by the fires.
The state government is working with the federal government to provide additional support for affected individuals and communities.
At one stage on Thursday, 30 fires were reported across Tasmania, with three escalating to emergency warning level.
Commissioner Smith praised how residents responded to the crisis.
“I would like to thank how people reacted and the community reacted in putting their bushfire plan in place,” he said.
Four civilians sheltered on the beach at Bagot Point overnight, enacting their emergency plans by moving to a safe area.
Two firefighters sustained minor eye injuries during operations but received treatment and returned to the fire ground.
The Dolphin Sands fire remains at watch and act status, with authorities urging residents not to return whilst emergency services and contractors work to make the area safe.
Commissioner Smith said conditions were “extremely challenging” for firefighters and emergency responders.
“We had well over 100 kilometre winds and fires under those conditions are extremely difficult to control, combat and extinguish,” he said.
The fire service has launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze and why some structures survived whilst others were destroyed.
“We will be looking at what was burning in and around the community prior to the event and just ensuring that we have the appropriate checks and balances in place if a fire is registered that we’re aware of it,” he said.
