THE cause of Sunday’s intense bushfire at St Helens remains unknown, with police and fire crews still scratching for details.
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Approximately four square kilometres of bushland was torched in the blaze, which nearly engulfed houses along St Helens Point Road.
No one was injured in the fire, but more than 30 residents were evacuated and at least two homes endured fire damage.
Tasmania Police confirmed yesterday an investigation into the cause was ongoing.
According to St Helens residents, the fire was deliberately lit.
Break O’Day Mayor Sarah Schmerl admitted she was scared for the safety of residents on Sunday, but now believes the blaze may have done more good than bad.
‘‘I had extreme concerns at one stage and I wish it hadn’t happened,’’ she said.
‘‘But it was probably a good thing to have something like that happen, to clear out some of that old undergrowth that had been there for a while.
‘‘We could have lost a lot more than what we did.’’
Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Mike Brown yesterday urged residents to do their bushfire preparations as soon as possible.
‘‘It’s a good timely reminder that summer is fast approaching,’’ he said.
‘‘People must consider what precautions they’re going to take for their properties and themselves.
‘‘It’s certainly not the middle of the bushfire season yet and we’re already getting some very strong winds.’’