Firefighting efforts across southern Tasmania are seeing a crucial turning point as dangerous, unpredictable winds have finally begun to ease, allowing the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) and allied agencies to deploy vital aerial resources to the front lines.
After a day where wind gusts peaked at an “extreme” fire danger rating, with Hobart recording an alarming 102 km/h gust, crews are now mobilising to contain 12 ongoing bushfire incidents across the region.
The Major Incidents
TFS’s current focus is centred on three major ongoing incidents: Dolphin Sands, Glenlusk, and Levendale.
Fires at Abels Bay, Colebrook, and Rhyndaston are due for reassessment.
Southern Regional Chief Simon Pilkington noted the yesterday’s strong winds made the fires extremely difficult to control, leading to emergency warnings being issued for several communities. Across the region, 77 crews are actively tackling the fires, reinforced by additional personnel arriving from the north.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed the fire weather forecast was exceeded, with high winds—up to 113 km/h on Mariah Island—causing relative humidity to drop rapidly to around 20%. This led to a “sudden spike” in the fire danger rating, touching on ‘extreme’ at several eastern and southern observation sites.
Crucially, the erratic conditions throughout most of the day prevented the safe deployment of aircraft. However, as conditions improved late yesterday afternoon, six aircraft (three from the south and three from the north) were deployed and are now targeting key areas, particularly Dolphin Sands.
While winds are expected to continue into the evening, they are forecast to gradually ease between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., though gusts of 50 to 80 km/h are still expected overnight.
Property Loss and Community Safety
TFS has confirmed there has been property loss in Dolphin Sands, a community with a reasonable shack population and some permanent residents. Rapid impact assessment teams will be deployed to confirm the extent of asset losses when safe.
Both Dolphin Sands and Levendale remain areas of concern due to erratic fire behaviour. While Glenlusk is still a concern, crews report they are gaining control of that incident.
Evacuation and Road Closures
Authorities are urging the public to remain informed, stressing that community safety is the priority.
- For Dolphin Sands and surrounds, a Bushfire Watch and Act remains in place. Residents who have left are warned that it is not safe to return yet. Those who stayed must monitor conditions closely.
- The Dolphin Sands Road is closed. Given that Dolphin Sands has only one road in and one road out, authorities are strongly advising people to leave early if they plan to go.
- An Evacuation Centre is open at Swansea Town Hall (12 Franklin St Swansea).
- In Glenlusk, a Bushfire Advice has been issued – Residents may return with caution, as there is currently no immediate threat.
- Police are assisting with current road closures at Dolphin Sands Road from Cambria Drive, and Glen Lusk Road between 813 Mossworth Road and the Glen Lusk intersection. The public is asked not to enter these closed areas.
Authorities stress the importance of acting early on ‘Watch and Act’ alerts and not waiting for an emergency warning.
- TasAlert.com
- ABC local radio for emergency broadcasts.
- fire.tas.gov.au/fire-danger-rating for local ratings.
- bom.gov.au/tas/warnings for the latest weather forecast.
Media release – Josh Willie MHA, Labor Leader; Jen Butler MHA, Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, 5 December 2025
Statement regarding ongoing bushfires
Labor would like to thank the amazing emergency services and fire response personnel working hard to fight multiple bushfires, and keep Tasmanians safe across the state.
As a state, Tasmania is incredibly fortunate to be able to call on the courage, dedication and professionalism shown by our fire response personnel when we need to.
It is heartbreaking to hear reports of property loss on the East Coast, and our thoughts are with those people who have been affected by the fires.
Tasmanians living near affected areas are encouraged to please make safe decisions and continue to monitor warnings from TasAlert.
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