UPDATE 8.20pm
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THE bushfire at Lefroy has been downgraded to Watch and Act by the Tasmania Fire Service.
A Tasmania Fire Service spokesman said the fire has passed the Lefroy township.
"It's heading east but crews are working to contain it,'' he said.
Aerial tankers from Melbourne dropping water were a significant help in controlling the bushfire, he said.
The evacuation centre at George Town Memorial Hall will remain open until the Tasmania Fire Service has completed an assessment of the area.
UPDATE 6.40pm
PLANES from Melbourne have been deployed to help battle a bushfire at Lefroy.
More than 18 trucks, seven planes and three bulldozers have been sent out to fight the fire which has spread more than 672 hectares.
Residents have been evacuated as homes come under threat.
Fire crews will continue on-site overnight with an aim to contain the fire by morning.
UPDATE 6.10pm: Beechford Road, the north side of Lefroy, and Douglas Road are now at high risk of the uncontrolled bushfire.
TFS warn that the fire will be difficult to control at this level.
Residents who have chosen to remain in the area are warned to be aware of burning embers that may be falling in the aforementioned areas.
Those who are prepared to defend their properties - and are adequately equipped to do so - should put their bushfire safety plans into action now.
Those with unprepared properties should leave now for a safer location, but only if the path is clear.
There is an evacuation centre at the George Town Memorial Hall.
Local updates are available through ABC local radio and fire.tas.gov.au
UPDATE 5.50pm: TasNetworks have reported that about 700 customers are without power due to the Lefroy bushfire.
The customers are affected are in the regions of Beechford, Bellingham, Lefroy, Lulworth, Pipers River, and Weymouth.
A restoration time has not been released.
The forecast for the rest of the evening, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, is a chance of light showers later tonight.
The winds are expected to drop to 20 to 25 km/h as the night rolls on as well.
UPDATE 4.50pm: The fire front is expected to impact properties at Lefroy within 15 minutes
There are five aircraft and 15 trucks fighting the blaze, which has doubled in size today.
UPDATE 4pm: The Lefroy fire has been upgraded to an emergency warning level.
According to the TFS, the township will be at high risk within one to two hours.
The fire is now estimated to be 672 hectares.
There is an ember alert for Beechford Road, and north of Lefroy, including Douglas Road.
UPDATE 3.45pm: The fire is now around the Beechford Road area, north of Lefroy.
The northern side of the township will be at risk within 30 minutes.
Embers are affecting the township now, as well as smoke and ash affecting the air quality.
TFS has urged residents to enact their bushfire survival plans.
Those who are not prepared to defend their homes should leave for a safer location if the path is clear.
An evacuation centre has been set up at George Town Memorial Hall at Regent Square.
UPDATE 3.15pm: An out-of-control bushfire is threatening homes at Lefroy in the state's North-East.
Just before 3pm, the 368-hectare fire at Curries Dam Road was upgraded to a watch and act level, and it is advised that the fire may threaten homes between 3.15pm and 3.30pm.
The Tasmania Fire Service warns that embers, smoke and ash may fall around the township, threatening properties ahead of the main fire front.
Residents are urged to make a decision to either stay and defend their property if it is well prepared, or to leave to a safer place.
Those who do not live in the area are urged to stay away.
EARLIER: A BUSHFIRE near the township of Lefroy near George Town is expected to worsen this afternoon.
The fire in Curries Dam Road was downgraded to "Advice Level" this morning after reaching "Watch and Act" level last night.
Acting deputy regional chief North Neil Brooksbank said wind speeds were predicted to reach between 30 to 45km/h this afternoon.
"The township of Lefroy and the community around that area are our area of concern,'' he said.
"Throughout the afternoon with the weather that is predicted and the fire activity that we have had this morning we are expecting the fire to get worse.
"The advice to the community is to enact your bushfire plan, be very vigilant, stay away from affected areas ... and monitor ABC and also (the TFS) website for any further changes.''
The fire has so far burnt 368 hectares.
There are 11 units on the ground, with three bulldozers and five helicopters allocated to the area.