Share this @internewscast.com
At least two structures have been damaged in a bushfire on Tasmania’s north-east coast, as firefighters continue battling the blaze.
An emergency alert was issued at around 9.30am for a fire at Dianas Basin travelling towards the small town of Stieglitz, warning that lives and homes were in danger. It was downgraded to a Watch and Act alert level just after noon.
TasAlert warned of thick smoke and showers of embers in surrounding areas, including on the Tasman Highway near Parkside, Parnella and Stieglitz.
On Tuesday afternoon, a fire had reached an emergency status, posing a significant threat to the area.
Residents in the area were urged to “monitor conditions as they are changing”.
The Tasmania Fire Service said local residents had been evacuated last night with about 50 people staying in an evacuation centre in St Helens.
Two structures were damaged, it said. A spokesperson said the service couldn’t yet assess if the structures were homes.
St Helens Airport, which is near Stieglitz and used to transport seafood to mainland Australia, is also subject to the fire warning.
While residents decide whether to stay or evacuate the area, others impacted by fires to the south can return to their properties after authorities reopened the area on Tuesday.
The blaze at Dolphin Sands scorched over 700 hectares and resulted in the destruction of more than a dozen homes before firefighters managed to contain it over the weekend.
The authorities warn smoke and ash may make it difficult to see and breathe, and residents are told to be ready if the situation escalates. According to the 2021 Census, fewer than 600 residents live in Stieglitz, with a median age of 60.
TasAlert has downgraded the fire warning for the Dolphin Sands area, and residents can return to their homes with caution.
In Tasmania, two of the 11 districts — Midlands and Western — are facing high fire danger ratings for Wednesday. Fortunately, all regions are expected to see a downgrade or maintain moderate fire danger levels by Thursday.
The Midlands district is anticipated to return to a high fire danger rating on Friday.
In New South Wales, the situation has also been dire this month, with 45 fires at the Advice level burning across the state as of Wednesday morning, causing damage and posing lethal risks.
A firefighter was killed after he was struck by a falling tree on the NSW mid north coast while fighting a major fire on Sunday night.
Heatwave warnings remain in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
