Properties have been lost overnight in fires at Dolphin Sands, around 140km north of Hobart, the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) says. 

The fire was reported at 6pm last night and moved rapidly in strong winds. Throughout the night, police remained with a group of 24 people gathered at a boat ramp at the end of the spit. They were safely escorted away at daylight. 

Two homes, as well as a shed and a car were destroyed, and firefighters expect to find further damage.  

Around 120 hectares of coastal heath burnt, and access issues were making the fire a challenge to fully extinguish. TFS Acting Chief Officer Jeremy Smith said today there was likely further damage. 

“We believe there will be other structures that have been impacted by the fire. Not destroyed but certainly impacted,” Mr Smith said. “The fire is contained, however there’s still a lot of work to do.”      

Firefighting continued overnight with 14 fire trucks and 30 firefighters battling the blaze. The weather moderated, slowing the spread of the fire, though at dawn it was not yet under control. An Evacuation Centre was established at nearby Swansea Town Hall. 

A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for the area as the fire progresses toward Bagot Point, and embers, smoke and ash may fall in the area.  

Powerlines were down on Dolphin Sands Road, which was closed at Yellow Sandbanks Road. 

Fresh firefighting crews took over today, and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.