Firefighters are continuing efforts to bring the Dolphin Sands bushfire under control, with the blaze remaining uncontained as it enters its third day.
A ‘Watch and Act’ warning remains in place for the area, with residents told it is not safe to return.
Tasmania Fire Service Regional Chief Operations Southern Region Simon Pilkington said easing weather conditions this weekend should help crews gain the upper hand.
“We are focusing our efforts today on the fire at Dolphin Sands,” he said.
“Dolphin Sands Road remains closed and I urge people to stay away from the area while we work to make it safe.”
The fire has caused significant destruction, with 19 houses or shacks, 15 outbuildings and four vehicles confirmed destroyed or damaged as of Friday.
Property assessments are ongoing, with authorities contacting owners in due course.
The blaze has also caused major damage to power infrastructure, with TasNetworks confirming at least 40 power poles and several transformers have been destroyed or damaged.
Full power restoration is expected to take several days.
An evacuation centre remains open at Swansea Town Hall, where a community drop-in session will run from 11am to noon today.
Four other fires across southern Tasmania – at Glenlusk, Colebrook, Levendale and Rhyndaston – remain at advice level.
Pilkington said the Levendale fire flared yesterday evening but had been brought back under control.
Specialist remote area teams will support crews tackling steep terrain west of the Glenlusk fire today.
The cause of the Dolphin Sands fire is under investigation.
Residents are urged to check their bushfire plans and stay informed via TasAlert.
