A deliberately lit bushfire that threatened properties at Rocherlea has been brought under control after coming within 20 metres of homes this morning.
Tasmania Fire Service crews were called to the vegetation fire near Russells Plains Road just after 11:30am.
District Officer Operations Rick Mahnken said firefighters “actively defended homes when the fire got within 20 metres of properties”.
“Due to the rapid weight of attack on the ground and by use of firefighting helicopters no properties were damaged,” he said.
A smoke alert was issued for the greater Launceston area, advising residents to avoid smoke.
Fire investigators have determined the blaze was deliberately lit and have handed the case to police for investigation.
The fire has now been declared under control with no property damage reported.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Launceston Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
