Wildfires of unprecedented scale have engulfed remote areas of Tasmania, endangering communities, destroying iconic hiking trails, and threatening culturally significant sites.
Wildfires have scorched an estimated 90,000 hectares of remote Tasmanian wilderness, posing a significant threat to towns, iconic hiking trails, and areas of national and cultural importance. The blazes, ignited by lightning strikes, have ravaged vast swathes of land in the state's northwest, including world-heritage listed sites and sections of the renowned Overland walking track.
Firefighters are battling to contain the infernos, facing challenging terrain and windy conditions that are expected to persist for weeks. Authorities warn that the fires, which spread rapidly due to dry vegetation and strong winds, could continue to burn for many days, if not weeks, before being fully extinguished. Towns and coastal communities, including Zeehan, Corinna, and Pieman Heads, faced imminent danger on Thursday night, prompting evacuations as thick smoke and flames engulfed the landscape. While the immediate threat to these towns has subsided, residents remain on edge, aware of the volatile situation and the potential for sudden wind changes to reignite the flames.The fires have caused extensive damage to the pristine Tasmanian wilderness. The Overland Track, a popular hiking trail traversing Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, has suffered significant destruction, with bridges, boardwalks, and shelters damaged beyond repair. The fires also pose a risk to Indigenous heritage sites in the Arthur-Pieman conservation area. Despite the devastation, authorities have managed to protect a grove of ancient Huon pine trees, estimated to be thousands of years old, located in a natural refuge. The survival of this ancient forest stand offers a glimmer of hope amidst the widespread destruction.The fires have brought the challenges of combating wildfires in remote and rugged landscapes into sharp focus. The sheer scale of the blazes and the difficult terrain require specialized crews, aircraft, and logistical support. Emergency services have established a basecamp in the small village of Tullah, providing temporary accommodation for personnel battling the fires. The arrival of remote area specialists from interstate and New Zealand is expected to bolster firefighting efforts, bringing valuable expertise and resources to the ongoing fight against the wildfires
WILDFIRES TASMANIA OVERLAND TRACK INDIGENOUS HERITAGE FIRE FIGHTERS ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE
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