UPDATE – 1 AM FRIDAY:
A vegetation fire which erupted near Flag Staff Gully Link and Tasman Highway in Hobart shortly after 10 PM on Thursday ‘will not be investigated’, according to the Tasmania Fire Service.
The late night blaze caused a section of the highway to be closed for nearly an hour, Tasmania Police tell Pulse.
Seven fire trucks and their crews were dispatched to battle the blaze after multiple triple zero calls from concerned residents alerted authorities to the situation.
The fire, which came ‘dangerously close’ to the Tasman Highway, was brought under control by the tireless efforts of the fire crews.
As thick smoke from the fire significantly reduced visibility along the highway, police were forced to redirect traffic to an alternate route.
Authorities urged people to avoid the area while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
EARLIER – 10:30 PM THURSDAY:
A vegetation fire has broken out in the Flag Staff Gully Link and Tasman Highway area near Hobart tonight, with crews currently working to contain the blaze.
Thick smoke from the fire has caused a significant reduction in visibility along the Tasman Highway, prompting police to redirect traffic to an alternate route.
Authorities have advised people to avoid the area if possible for the next 30 minutes while they work to bring the situation under control.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and no injuries or property damage have been reported at this time.
Residents in the vicinity have expressed concern about the fire, with some taking to social media to share photos and videos of the smoke billowing from the area.
