Half a dozen aircraft and multiple ground crews are working to bring a bushfire currently burning in the Central Highlands under control.
The blaze at Wellwood Road in Osterley, near Ouse, was reported to authorities on Thursday afternoon.
Tasmania Fire Service Incident Controller Jason Vinen said while the Osterley township was not under immediate threat, people in the area should remain aware and vigilant.
“While initially a Watch and Act warning was in place, this has now been reduced to an Advice message (avoid the area and monitor conditions) for Wellwood Road and surrounding areas,” he said.
“It is imperative people keep up-to-date with information to keep safe.”
The TFS expect conditions to be changeable across the afternoon as the fire moves towards the Ouse River.
The warning comes as the Bureau of Meteorology are forecasting “damaging wind gusts” in excess of 110km/h in the nearby area, which are expected to continue into Friday.
Earlier: A bushfire watch and act warning has been issued for people in the Wellwood Road area at Osterley in the Central Highlands this afternoon.
The Tasmania Fire Service say people should prepare to leave, with the blaze expected to impact Wellwood Road and surrounding areas.
“The fire is travelling towards the Ouse River. The fire is expected to be difficult to control,” the TFS said just after 2:45pm on Thursday.
“Embers, smoke, and ash may fall on Wellwood Road and surrounding areas. The Tasmania Fire Service is attending. Conditions are expected to be changeable.”
TFS WHAT TO DO:
- Take action now to protect yourself, your family, and your home.
- If you are not prepared for a bushfire, be ready to leave for a safer place.
- There is a nearby safer place at Ouse Community Hall – Ouse Area. Only travel if it is safe for you to do so.
- If you have made a bushfire plan, check it now.
- If you don’t live near Wellwood Road and Surrounding Areas, stay away.
- For fire updates visit tasalert.com
