A caravan park has been evacuated and residents warned to leave as a bushfire rages in Tasmania's northwest.
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Fire crews were actively responding to the blaze at Port Latta on Sunday, with authorities evacuating the Crayfish Creek Caravan Park and setting up an evacuee centre at the Rocky Cape Community Hall.
The fire was within containment lines on Sunday night but crews would remain on site overnight due to the risk of spot fires, Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) said in a statement.
Prepare-to-leave warnings were also current for Edgcumbe Beach and its surrounds with a blaze expected to impact the area on Sunday evening, the TFS said.
"Embers, smoke, and ash may fall on Edgcumbe Beach to Cowrie Point - North of the Bass Highway - and residents are asked to remain vigilant overnight as conditions are expected to be changeable," it said.
TFS district officer Dean Graue said earlier severe wind gusts had hindered aerial responses to the fire.
"But ground crews are actively working to bring the bushfire under control," he said.
Police closed the Bass Highway to all traffic in both directions between Mawbanna Road and Loosemores Road earlier on Sunday and asked members of the public to avoid the area.
The highway was re-opened at reduced speed on Sunday night as police warned that smoke in the area could affect visibility
Strong winds were expected to peak on Sunday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
Authorities asked residents to follow their bushfire plans and only travel to a safer location if the path was clear.
Australian Associated Press
