A bushfire triggered by dry lightning has closed a popular walking track and global tourist draw, as firefighters battle to control the “uncontained” fire.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service northwest regional manager Nic Deka said the Overland Track had been shut down due to a fire at Canning Peak about 5km southwest of Pelion West in the island’s northwest.
“The fire grew significantly overnight and is now just 5km southwest off the track,” he said in a fresh alert issued on Wednesday.
“Conditions are challenging and there is potential for the fire to impact the Overland Track within the next 24 to 48 hours.”
It is estimated some 100 walkers have now been blocked from the track.
“Walkers scheduled to depart today have been stopped and those north of Windermere have been instructed to return to Cradle Valley,” Mr Deka said.
“Significant smoke from the fire is present in the area between Waterfall Valley and Pelion and anyone currently on the Overland Track is urged to follow instructions from track rangers.”
The service said anyone who had booked a walk during the closure would be provided a full refund.
The Overland Track is billed as Australia’s “premier alpine walk”.
“This exhilarating and life-changing journey attracts walkers from across the globe,” the wildlife service states on its website.
“Beginning at the iconic Cradle Mountain and ending at Australia’s deepest lake – Lake St Clair, this 65km, six-day trek takes you through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.”
The Tasmania Fire Service is battling multiple fires in the state’s west coast and south, with aircraft deployed to fight the blazes.
“These aerial assets are being used for spotter flights, water bombing, and mapping to support our firefighting efforts,” Tasmania Fire Service deputy chief officer Matt Lowe said.
“We’re currently using all the 15 aircraft we have through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre arrangements and we have further local aircraft on standby ready to act should any new fires start.
“We have also this morning requested two Blackhawk helicopters from interstate to help with our efforts.”
There are 18 bushfires burning across the state at present, he added, with one in the south and 17 on the west coast.
“There is no threat to communities at the moment but containing these is our priority,” he said.
Some 4770 dry lightning strikes have been recorded near or over Tasmania since Monday, with 1227 striking the ground.
Emergency services are warning community members to remain vigilant and monitor local conditions.
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