Multiple suspicious fires in Tasmania’s Central Highlands have ravaged more than 5,000 hectares of bushland, the fire service has confirmed.
On Saturday, three days after the bushfires were first reported, around 80 firefighters were continuing to battle the blaze alongside 12 aircraft and 10 machinery assets.
The Tasmania Fire Service’s Incident Controller Mark Klop said there has been no further property losses after multiple shacks were confirmed destroyed on Friday.
“The fires remain active and a change in weather conditions could put properties at risk and make roads unsafe. People in the area must take action to protect themselves and their families,” he said.
“We are prioritising our response in areas where there are houses and other assets.”
He said three “fires of concern” are located near Lanes Tier in Ouse, Bradys Lake and Mentmore Tier at Dee.
“The Lanes Tier fire in particular has the potential to expand and impact properties,” Klop said.
“If you don’t live near these areas, please stay away. The roads can become highly dangerous and there are a number of roads closed in the area for safety reasons.”
Safety assessments are ongoing and roads will reopen as soon as possible once it has been deemed safe for residents to return to their properties.
Investigations into the cause of the fires are underway, with the police seeking information to determine if they were deliberately set.
“If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area on Wednesday, whether it was a person or a vehicle, please pass that information on to police,” Klop said.
“Anyone with information should contact Bridgewater CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can stay anonymous.”
