Residents east of 191 Dolphin Sands Road will need to wait until at least Monday before they can return to their properties, as firefighters continue battling the bushfire that has destroyed 19 homes.
Tasmania Police and the Tasmania Fire Service announced the extended closure on Saturday evening, citing dangerous debris and ongoing firefighting operations.
“At this stage, it is not safe for residents or vehicles to enter the area,” Tasmania Fire Service Southern Regional Chief Simon Pilkington said.
“Significant debris remains on the road, including roofing materials, asbestos and damaged power poles making access hazardous.”
Fire crews are still actively fighting the blaze, which has burned through 700 hectares since Thursday.
An updated weather forecast shows slightly elevated fire danger for the area on Sunday, prompting authorities to maintain the closure.
Residents in the western section of Dolphin Sands Road, from the Tasman Highway to number 191, can now access their properties but have been urged to proceed with caution.
Commander Jason Elmer of Tasmania Police said those already in the affected eastern area would need to stay put.
“Residents who are already in the area will need to remain in place until the road can be safely re-opened,” he said.
“We recognise that this is stressful and frustrating for residents, but the safety of the community and responding emergency services is our number one priority at this time.”
Emergency services will door-knock affected properties to check on welfare and ensure residents have adequate food and medical supplies.
The fire has damaged or destroyed at least 19 houses and shacks, 15 outbuildings and four vehicles since it broke out on Thursday.
A ‘Watch and Act’ warning remains in place for the area.
Pilkington thanked the community for its resilience and praised firefighters and volunteers for their work throughout the incident.
Conditions will be reassessed on Monday morning.
