Updated 2:45pm, Thursday: People in Glenlusk, north-west of Hobart, are being told to leave immediately as an out-of-control bushfire threatens homes.
The Tasmania Fire Service issued an emergency warning at 2pm on Wednesday for the area bordered by Brinkmans Road, Faulkners Road and Molesworth Road.
The fire started around midday on Molesworth Road and is travelling west to east.
Regional Fire Commander Simon Pilkington said about 15 crews were on the ground battling the blaze.
“Conditions are pretty unfavourable for firefighting due to the strong winds and warmer temperatures,” he told Local Radio.
“The erratic winds are making it difficult.”
Aircraft have been grounded due to dangerous wind speeds.
Gusts in excess of 100km/h have been recorded in Hobart already today, with much of the state under a severe wind warning.
Pilkington said homes were directly at risk, with crews undertaking asset protection.
“At this stage we haven’t had any homes directly impacted or lost,” he said.
The hilly terrain around Glenlusk, which borders Collinsvale and Mount Faulkner, is making access challenging.
Tasmania Police are assisting with road closures in the area. Evacuation centres are being organised but have not yet been stood up.
Pilkington said the fire was expected to peak before easing later in the afternoon as weather conditions improve.
“Resources are stretched at the minute,” he said. “We’ve also got nine other fires burning in the southern region.”
Residents in lower suburbs towards Berriedale may experience reduced air quality as smoke tracks downhill.
People in the warning zone who cannot leave safely are advised to shelter in the nearest building, a large cleared area or a stationary car away from vegetation.
Those already out of the area should not attempt to return.
The emergency warning states the fire “is expected to put lives in danger and may destroy homes”.
Thick smoke and ember showers could spark spot fires ahead of the main blaze.
People with respiratory conditions are urged to have a plan for managing smoke exposure.
Earlier: The Tasmania Fire Service has upgraded an earlier warning for the Glenlusk area, telling people in the area to “evacuate now”.
They say the “uncontrolled bushfire” is travelling towards the area bordered by Brinkmans Road, Faulkners Road and Molesworth Road.
“[The fire] is expected to put lives in danger and may destroy homes, impacting as soon as now,” an alert reads.
“There is expected to be thick smoke, and showers of embers which may cause fires all around you. Spot fires may threaten your home before the main fire arrives.”
“You need to act now to survive. If you have a bushfire plan, use it now. The safest way to survive is to go to a safer location now.”
The fire service says people should only travel if it is safe to do so.
