Firefighters are still working to contain more than a dozen bushfires ignited by dry lightning strikes in remote parts of Tasmania’s West Coast.
Since breaking out earlier this week, the cluster of 19 fires has burned through around 16,000 hectares of wilderness.
Incident Controller Nic Deka from Parks and Wildlife said crews have made good progress in containing and suppressing the blazes.
He said only three fires of concern remain at Canning Peak near the closed Overland Track, Mt Donaldson and Yellowband Plain.
“Encouragingly, the growth of the Mount Donaldson fire has been slowed by strategic fuel reduction burns conducted north of the fire in recent years, enabling crews to better plan and prepare suppression efforts,” he said.
“Our specialist remote area winch capability with remote area firefighters has been critical in enabling the extinguishment or containment of a number of smaller fires that would have otherwise remained a problem.”
“That has enabled us to focus our efforts on the larger running fires.”
Bushfire advice warnings remain in place for people in Savage River, Arthur Pieman Conservation Area and the Overland Track.
Smoke alerts have been issued for Rosebery, Zeehan, Corinna, Cradle Valley, Circular Head, Burnie and surrounding areas.
“We’re continuing to encourage people to stay up to date with the latest advice and warnings,” Deka said.
A community meeting with updates and safety advice will be held on Sunday at 1pm at the Arthur River Field Centre.
