A bushfire has destroyed two homes and burned through an estimated 1,400 hectares near St Helens on Tasmania’s east coast.
Firefighters battled challenging conditions overnight as strong, erratic winds pushed the blaze from Dianas Basin towards Stieglitz.
Incident Controller David Castellar told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that crews had faced a tough fight.
“Wind was very strong and erratic and the crews on the ground have done a fantastic job to limit that damage to two houses. It could have been a lot worse,” he said.
Several outbuildings and caravans were also lost, with damage assessments still under way as of 1pm Wednesday. No injuries have been reported.
At the fire’s peak, 32 appliances and about 90 personnel were working on the ground, supported by helicopter crews.
Five aircraft are currently working the fire, including four water bombers.
A request for extra aerial support has been made through the National Aviation Firefighting Resource Centre.
Castellar said the main concern now is a potential wind change.
“If we do get a wind change that is going to impact through from a north-easterly wind that potentially could push the fire over the Tasman Highway into some unburned areas … that is a major concern for us,” he said.
An emergency alert was briefly reissued for Stieglitz on Wednesday morning due to intense fire activity, but crews have since brought it under control.
Tasmania Police Inspector Luke Manhood said officers door-knocked homes in the evacuation zone yesterday afternoon.
“I am aware that there were a number of people that chose to stay despite the recommendation to evacuate,” he said.
“We have evacuated a large area of St Helens Point from the Stieglitz area, although there are a number of people still on St Helens Point in the further out regions of Stieglitz and Akaroa.”
Around 40 people spent the night at the evacuation centre at Break O’Day Community Stadium, with most since moved to commercial accommodation.
St Helens Point Road remains closed due to downed power lines, fallen trees and other hazards.
Approximately 800 homes across St Helens, Stieglitz and Akaroa have lost power.
Manhood urged people to stay away from the area.
“While I appreciate that people want to get in and check on their properties or want to get home, it’s just too dangerous for people to go in there at the current time,” he said.
“And not only does it put them in danger, it can hamper firefighting efforts.”
There is still no timeframe for when residents will be allowed to return.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, though Castellar said the immediate focus remains on containment.
