UPDATE 9:50 am Tuesday: the situation was downgraded from Emergency to Watch and Act for West End Road communities of Pine Scrub and Leeka.
EARLIER:
An Emergency Warning was reinstated for the communities of Pine Scrub and Leeka on Flinders Island on Tuesday morning as crews continue to bring the fire under control.
TFS Deputy regional chief Steve Richardson said that while the fire had originally been downgraded overnight, strong winds early on Tuesday had fuelled the fire near West End Road, with the communities of Pine Scrub and Leeka still under threat as of 8.30 am.
Mr Richardson said that additional crews from TFS and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service had arrived on the island overnight, with five waterbombing aircraft also in the area.
“The Pine Scrub and Leeka townships are expected to be at severe risk, and residents are encouraged to leave immediately if safe,” he said.
“If you have left the area do not return, as crews are expecting volatile conditions throughout the day.
“The Town Hall in Whitemark is on standby as an Evacuation Centre if the need arises.”
Mr Richardson said it is imperative people keep up-to-date with information to keep safe.
“If you don’t live near West End Road, communities of Pine Scrub and Leeka, stay away.”
If driving in the area, please do so with caution as there is potential for low visibility due to smoke.
A watch and act alert was also issued for the Killiecrankie and Killiecrankie Road areas just after 8.30 am on Tuesday.
