Updated 6pm, Tuesday: Firefighters have successfully contained a vegetation fire near Tolmans Hill this afternoon, which had earlier contributed to traffic chaos on Hobart’s Southern Outlet.
Tasmania Fire Service crews from Hobart, Taroona and Mt Nelson responded to the blaze between Caroline Street and the Southern Outlet at approximately 4pm today.
TFS Hobart duty officer Mark Bryant said two waterbombing aircraft supported ground crews in quickly controlling the fire.
“The fire is now contained and there is no threat to communities,” Bryant said.
“Crews will remain on site to ensure the fire is completely out and will continue to extinguish any hot spots.”
The steep terrain contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which moved quickly uphill, challenging firefighting efforts.
“The terrain is steep so the fire moved very quickly up the slope. Crews worked at both edges of the fire to ensure the fire was contained in a timely manner,” Bryant said.
TFS will maintain a presence at the fireground overnight and continue suppression activities tomorrow.
Earlier: Hobart’s Southern Outlet is experiencing significant delays this afternoon after a crash and a separate vegetation fire brought traffic to a standstill.
Police and emergency services are responding to a collision on the Kingston-bound lanes just before the Mount Nelson turnoff.
No serious injuries have been reported, but the road is blocked.
South-bound motorists are advised to expect delays and consider alternate routes.
Adding to the chaos, a vegetation fire broke out south of the Tolmans Hill turnoff just before 4pm.
