Media release – Tasmania Fire Service, 3 October 2020 (approx 4pm)
Update on St Helens bushfire
Tasmania Fire Service is currently responding to a bushfire burning out of control to the west of St Helens near Stonyford Track.
The fire was reported to TFS just after 10:30am today. An Emergency Warning was activated for the fire at midday which has since been downgraded to Watch and Act.
The fire is currently burning in a south-easterly direction, approximately 3km to the west of the St Helens township.
Around 20 ground crews from TFS, Sustainable Timber Tasmania and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service are working on the fire, supported by three helicopters.
Crews are currently focussing their efforts on protecting properties in the path of the fire.
People recreating on the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails have been evacuated with the assistance of Tasmania Police and Break O’Day Council.
The fire is understood to have originated from a fuel reduction burn conducted earlier this week at Launceston Creek which has broken containment lines.
People in the surrounding area should keep up to date with the latest advice and warnings from Tasmania Fire Service by listening to ABC Local Radio or at www.fire.tas.gov.au.
In the event of an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
People who don’t live in the area should stay away.
