George Town fire downgraded, residents remain on alert
Updated
A fire emergency at George Town in northern Tasmania is over, with authorities downgrading its status to advice level.
Four aircraft and 60 ground crew were brought in fight the blaze, which had threatened homes.
The Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS) issued an emergency bushfire warning just after 3:00pm for an uncontrolled fire putting houses at Marguerite Street, Alfred Street and Mount George Road at risk.
Northern Deputy Regional Chief Ian Bounds said the cause of the 10 hectare fire was being investigated.
"In the initial stages it was a very fast moving fire being pushed by strong westerly winds," he said.
Mr Bound said several properties were under threat initially, however with quick work by ground crews and aircraft, the properties were protected.
"We are confident the fire is now being controlled and we expect the current watch and act level will be reviewed and downgraded," he said.
"There's been some minor damage to power poles."
Second fire in a year
Tony Thorpe, who owns land where the blaze is burning, said it was the second time his property had been affected by fire.
"It started over near the cemetery by the look of it and obviously got out of control in the wind," he said.
Mr Thorpe said much of his land had been burnt last year under similar circumstances.
"This one is much closer to town ... there's two helicopters and a lot of crew over there and I think they've got it under control," he said.
Anthony Bishop, who works at a nearby hardware store, said crews had been working all afternoon to try to control the blaze.
Topics: bushfire, george-town-7253
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