These are the horrifying scenes on Flinders Island at the moment as residents are forced to evacuate from some parts of the island.
Images taken by locals near the fire ground show a thick plume of smoke billowing from the West End Road area in the island’s north.
Pine Scrub and Leeka are being evacuated, with the TFS warning residents that “conditions are expected to worsen” throughout the afternoon.
TFS Deputy Regional Chief Steven Richardson said multiple firefighters are currently in the area, with more crews and five waterbombing aircraft on the way.
Richardson asks anyone that may have evacuated and is in need of assistance to visit the Town Hall in Whitemark.
Tasmania Police Northern District Commander Kate Chambers said officers are on the scene and assisting residents who wish to leave the area.
It’s understood the fire is impacting power supply to homes on the island and has potentially damaged critical communications infrastructure.
The nearby Flinders Island Airport was hit by 50km/h wind gusts around 1:45pm on Monday, just minutes after the evacuation alert was issued.
TFS What to do:
- If your home is built using contemporary bushfire design standards, is well prepared and you can actively defend it, it may provide shelter.
- If your home is unprepared, go to a safer location now only if the path is clear and safe.
- If you have made a bushfire plan, use it now.
- There is an Evacuation Centre at Town Hall, Patrick Street Whitemark.
- If you don’t live near West End Road, communities of Pine Scrub and Leeka, stay away.
- For fire updates visit tasalert.com
