FIRE crews will remain vigilant today as strong winds threaten to fan fires that have already burnt out more than 1000 hectares north of Beaconsfield on the West Tamar.
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The fire, that was first reported on Saturday evening, is burning in state forest between Tattersalls Road and Asbestos Road near York Town.
Forestry Tasmania fire incident controller Bob Hamilton said although crews were starting to get the fire under control yesterday afternoon, unpredictable winds saw the fire jump containment lines shortly after 5pm.
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"We saw the fire jump lines that we had put in the south and south-east of the fire territory, so today we will be bringing in more heavy machinery to strengthen those containment lines,'' he said.
"The fire is still very active, and if winds pick up again today, it has the potential to cause a lot of concern.''
Two helicopters would continue to drop water on the fire today, supported by seven bulldozers and a crew of about 25 people from Forestry Tasmania and the Tasmania Fire Service.
Mr Hamilton said no properties in the area were under direct threat from the fire at this stage, but residents needed to continue to be alert in case of a wind change.
"Winds have been swirling around the area today and are expected to pick up soon, but what direction it will travel is still very unpredictable,'' he said.
"We have some very strong containment lines near properties, and we are not expecting there to be an increased threat at this stage.''
A community information officer is at the Beaconsfield Fire Station to deal with any public concern and more information is also available on the www.fire.tas.gov.au website or toll free number 1800 000 699.
