A bushfire burning in the hills behind Queenstown has grown to approximately 30 hectares in size.
The fire, located between Peters, Colville, Brooklyn and Crotty Streets, was reported to emergency services at around 1:50 am on Wednesday.
Acting District Officer Peter Bradow said aerial resources had joined firefighters from Queenstown, Zeehan, Strahan and Rosebery in efforts to contain the blaze.
“Work has been undertaken by crews to protect assets at risk and create containment lines around the fire,” he said.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be a separate incident to the West Coast complex of fires.”
The fire was previously the subject of a ‘watch and act’ warning, which has since been downgraded, but it remains uncontrolled.
Bradow urged residents near the fire to stay informed and monitor official warnings.
“We’re asking residents in the area to monitor conditions, be aware of ember attacks and if they haven’t already, review their bushfire plan,” he said.
“If you have made a bushfire plan, use it now. If you don’t live in the area stay away. The roads could become dangerous.”
Mountain Heights School and St Josephs Catholic School have both been closed as a result of the fire.
