UPDATE FRIDAY 4.30PM:
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A bushfire on Soldiers Settlement Road near George Town is being patrolled at regular intervals.
Tasmania Fire Service said the fire, which was reported about 1.30pm on Thursday, might have visible smoke and fire activity for some time.
“If there is any fire activity causing you concern please report it to the Tasmania Fire Service by calling triple zero (000).”
UPDATE THURSDAY 8.50PM:
A bushfire near George Town is “under control”, Tasmania Fire Services says.
Fire crews have been fighting the fire at Soldiers Settlement Road since early afternoon on Thursday.
Some of the crews have returned back to base and the rest of the crews were anticipated to leave within the next couple of hours after back burning.
EARLIER:
A bushfire near George Town poses no immediate threat to residents, Tasmania Fire Service says.
Several Tasmania Fire Service crews are fighting the fire at Soldiers Settlement Road since earlier this afternoon.
A bushfire advice message has been issued for George Town, telling residents fires under these conditions can be difficult to control and will burn towards the coast.
Two heavy tankers, two light tankers, three medium tankers, a personnel carrier, a medium rotary wing and TFS are on the scene with a car on their way.
The Bureau of Meteorology has a current strong wind warning for Thursday and Friday around the Central North Coast.
Do you live nearby?
Tasmania Fire Service advises people near George Town to keep up-to-date by looking at the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au
“Well prepared homes are defendable in these conditions,” they said.
“If you are not prepared for a bushfire, think about leaving for a safe place if it gets more dangerous.
“If your family has a bushfire survival plan, check it now”
What you can do to protect yourself against bushfire smoke:
Public Health Services advise people to stay indoors with windows and doors closed where possible if there is smoke in the air.
Follow your asthma action plan or your plan for managing flare-ups of other health conditions if you have one.
“People who need to travel should exercise caution if driving in smoke. Turn on your headlights and drive slowly.”
Switch any air conditions to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’.
Community information
For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police website: http://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/
For information about protecting your health during smoky conditions, go to http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/alerts/air/bushfire_smoke
More to follow