November 13, 8.15am: Tasmania Fire Service has confirmed that properties have been destroyed in the Dolphin Sands fire overnight.
There are no reports of injuries to members of the public as a result of the fire, however, one fire fighter was treated for smoke inhalation, TFS said in a statement.
Two houses and one shed have been destroyed, however, it’s expected that several others have been impacted by the fire, which covers an area of approximately 112 hectares.
“This morning a comprehensive impact assessment of all properties in the affected area will be undertaken as a priority. Overnight, Tasmania Police deployed drones to assist with the assessments,” the statement read.
“The fire was reported at 6pm [Sunday] night and moved rapidly in the strong winds. The weather moderated overnight, which assisted with slowing the spread of the fire.
“However, the fire is not yet under control and firefighting continued overnight with 14 fire trucks and 30 career and volunteer firefighters battling the blaze.”
Powerlines are down on Dolphin Sands Rd.
Dolphin Sands Rd is closed at Yellow Sandbanks Rd, and will remain closed until it is safe. “Every effort is being made to allow property owners to return to the area as soon as possible,” TFS said.
“A total of 24 people who gathered at the Dolphin Sands boat ramp at the end of the spit have been safely escorted from the area a short time ago. Tasmania Police remained with the group throughout the night.”
An evacuation centre has been established at Swansea Town Hall for those who had already left the area, and seven people presented there.
Weather conditions impacting the fire will be moderate overnight, before increasing again during the day.
Overnight crews are now being rested, with fresh crews being deployed today.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
‘Too late to leave’: Emergency bushfire warning for Dolphin Sands
November 12, 9pm: Fire crews are still working to extinguish an “unpredictable” blaze, burning out of control at Dolphin Sands.
A Tasmania Fire Service spokesperson said the blaze, burning at an emergency level, started at 6pm on Sunday and spread rapidly after being affected by strong winds.
It is not yet known what sparked the blaze.
Authorities say the fire is moving in an easterly direction on Dolphin Sands Road, and have warned powerlines along the road are down.
The Swansea Town Hall is being used as an evacuation centre for anyone who been forced to leave their home.
Meanwhile a second warning has been issued, this time an advice level for River and Rocks Road, Coles Bay to Swanwick and surrounds.
Those in the area are urged to monitor conditions as the fire travels towards the end of the Dolphin Sands Spit.
Earlier: Dolphin Sands residents are urged to take shelter after an emergency bushfire warning was issued for the East Coast town of Dolphin Sands, after 8pm.
The Tasmania Fire Service says it’s too late to leave, as the out of control fire travels in a north-easterly direction on Dolphin Sands Road.
Fire crews are attending the scene to work to extinguish the blaze, but authorities say conditions are expected to worsen.
The TFS says burning embers may threaten homes before the main fire arrives, and smoke and ash might make it difficult to see.
– The TFS says homes built using contemporary bushfire design standards may provide shelter, but those with unprepared homes are urged to go to a safer location if the path is clear.
– There is a nearby safer place at the Swansea Recreation Ground.
– Those with bushfire plans are advised to use their plans
– Those who do not live in Dolphin Sands are urged to stay away.
Originally published as Dolphin Sands fire: Tasmania Fire Service confirm houses destroyed