A plan to deploy a large air tanker from Victoria to fight a bushfire at Swansea has been put on hold.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The blaze burning across 1125 hectares in the Whitegrass Ridge/McNeills Road area was first reported at 9.04pm on Monday. It poses no immediate threat to the community and is currently listed as being at advice level.
Due to the fire's "potential" and proximity to the community, the Tasmania Fire Service called in help from the mainland.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The large air tanker is a firebombing aircraft that has the capacity to carry foam, water and fire retardant and drop it on or in front of a fire to help slow its progress, the TFS said.
However, the plan for a tanker drop has been suspended due to strong winds. Firefighting crews are continuing to set up containment lines in and around the western side of the Swansea community, as well as the western end of Dolphin Sands.
"Strategic work in being undertaken by PWS and TFS crews to identify and construct contained lines utilising machinery on the western and northern boundaries of the fire," the TFS website reads. "These operations are being supported by aircraft for water bombing and reconnaissance when conditions allow."
TFS resources currently deployed to fight the fire include one light tanker, a light rotary wing and two personnel carriers. Three light rotary wings, one medium rotary wing and one State Emergency Service personnel carrier have also been mobilised to fight the fire.
Westerly winds are forecast for Friday, which will mean that smoke will be visible in and around Swansea and Dolphin Sands, plus surrounding areas.
Those with medical conditions are urged to have a plan to manage the risks associated with smoky days.
A drop-in community information session will be held at the Swansea Town Hall on Main Street between 12pm and 5pm today.
EXETER FIRE
Another fire is burning in a large sawdust heap at Exeter and is being regularly monitored and patrolled.
It was first reported on December 3, with a smoke alert issued about 5.45pm on December 5.
No alert level has been listed for this fire.
WHAT TO DO
For advice on bushfire smoke, visit the Department of Health website at https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/air/bushfire_smoke/ or the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania website at https://www.asthma.org.au/about-asthma/triggers/bushfires-and-smoke/.
If you live in the area of either of the fires, stay informed in case conditions change by monitoring ABC Local Radio and the TFS website at http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/.
