Updated – Sunday 4pm: The Tasmania Fire Service has downgraded the blaze to an Advice alert level.
The TFS say there is “no immediate threat”, with the fire continuing to travel toward Oyster Cove but conditions are expected to improve.
“If you have a bushfire plan, check it now. Well prepared homes are expected to be defendable in these conditions.,” they said.
Earlier: Residents of Oyster Cove in Tasmania’s south are being urged to activate their bushfire plans immediately as a fast-moving blaze threatens properties along Manuka Road.
The Tasmania Fire Service has issued a Watch and Act alert for the area, warning the fire is travelling towards Manuka Road and expected to impact properties east of Old Station Road within 30 minutes.
Fire authorities are on scene but have cautioned that the blaze “is expected to be difficult to control” as changeable conditions complicate firefighting efforts.
The immediate threat comes not just from flames but from ember attacks, with the TFS warning that “embers, smoke, and ash may fall on Manuka Road, East of Old Station Road and threaten you and your home before the main fire”.
Visibility and air quality are deteriorating in the affected area, with smoke and ash making it “difficult to see and breathe” according to the alert.
People are being advised to leave early if they are not adequately prepared for bushfire conditions, with officials recommending staying with family or friends as the safest option.
“If you are not prepared for a bushfire, be ready to leave for a safer place. If you stay, your home may not be defendable,” the Tasmania Fire Service stated.
Those with existing health conditions are particularly at risk from smoke exposure.
The Department of Health has advised vulnerable individuals to follow their personal plans for avoiding smoke.
