Updated 9:30am, Wednesday: A bushfire threatening communities near St Helens has been re-upgraded to emergency status, with residents in Stieglitz urged to evacuate immediately.
The uncontrolled fire at Dianas Basin is now travelling towards Peron Street and surrounds, with authorities warning it could put lives in danger and destroy more homes.
The Tasmania Fire Service has warned of thick smoke, ember attacks and difficult breathing conditions as the fire front approaches.
“You need to act now to survive,” the emergency warning states.
Earlier: A bushfire burning near St Helens on Tasmania’s east coast has destroyed two structures, with thick smoke blanketing the area overnight.
About 50 residents spent the night at an evacuation centre after Tasmania Police evacuated the Stieglitz area yesterday.
Incident Controller David Casteller confirmed the damage but said the full extent won’t be known until rapid impact assessments are completed.
“Rapid impact assessment will take place as soon as possible and we will keep the community informed of any updates,” he said.
The blaze has been downgraded to ‘Watch and Act’ overnight, with conditions expected to improve today.
Casteller said 28 firefighting trucks, three aircraft and two heavy machines responded yesterday, with more crews arriving from across the state.
“Crews from Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania are actively working to contain the fire today,” he said.
It remains unsafe for residents to return due to firefighting operations, unstable trees, fallen powerlines and debris.
“Conditions on the fireground yesterday were challenging and we are expecting the weather today to be much more favourable for firefighting,” Casteller said.
A separate bushfire at Dianas Basin was reported at 12:35pm yesterday. The cause is under investigation.
Two ‘Watch and Act’ warnings remain in place – one for Parkside, Parnella and Stieglitz where it is not safe to return and another for Dianas Basin, Flagstaff Hill and surrounds where residents should monitor changing conditions.
Casteller thanked locals for heeding warnings.
“I really want to thank the community for taking fast action to stay safe and for remaining away while we bring the fire under control and make the area safe,” he said.
An evacuation centre remains open at the St Helens stadium on Tully Street.
Residents are urged to monitor conditions at tasalert.com.
