At least 80 properties have been destroyed and there are fears one person has been killed as out of control bushfires rage in parts of Tasmania.
Hundreds of residents have been forced to take shelter on beaches and in boats on the water in the state’s south-east as fire crews work through the night to control the blazes.
The largest fires are impacting Eaglehawk Neck, Bream Creek, Copping, Boomer Bay and Dodges Ferry, south-east of Hobart, and Ellendale and Karanja in the Upper Derwent Valley.
A fire burning at Lake Repulse is expected to impact the communities of Lawrenny and Hamilton around 6:00am.
Read the rest, and updates, ABC Online here
• Use the TT NEWS Dropdown Menu for breaking news/reports from the extensive range of sources
HELP:
PREMIER, through Michael Pervan, Acting Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services:
• Help available for those affected by bushfires
PM:
• Support for Tasmanian Bushfire Victims
FACEBOOK:
• How you can help: Tassie Bushfires
• Tasmanian Bushfire Assistance (provides links to all government-approved charities)
• TASMANIANS PULL TOGETHER AMID BUSHFIRE TRAGEDY
Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader
Tim Morris MP
Greens Member for Lyons
Saturday, 5 January 2013
The Tasmanian Greens today extended their deepest sympathies to those Tasmanians affected by devastating bushfires in recent days.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP praised the efforts of emergency service personnel and community volunteers involved in the ongoing fire fighting and relief effort.
“It has been an outstanding effort by our professional and volunteer firefighters, who continue to throw everything they have at these fires to bring them under control,” Mr McKim said.
“During times like this we are reminded of the bravery and sacrifice of our emergency services workers, who are always our first line of defence when tragedy strikes.”
“There are many families who have lost everything and others who have been seriously impacted by the fires, and our hearts go out to them at this devastating time.”
Greens Member for Lyons Tim Morris MP said a major community relief effort would be needed to help communities rebuild.
“History shows that Tasmanians have always come together to help each other during times of adversity, and it’s fantastic to see the community relief effort already well underway,” Mr Morris said.
“We need to pull together more than ever now and help our fellow Tasmanians who have lost everything, and the Greens will do all we can to assist in the relief effort.”
“Whilst we don’t know the full extent of the damage yet, there will be a community effort required to help those affected get back on their feet.”
