Tasmania Police requires members of the public to stay away from areas affected by bushfires this Australia Day long weekend and asks all motorists to obey road closures and take care on all roads as smoke is likely to impact most of the state.

There are a number of uncontrolled bushfires burning, particularly in the Central Highlands and also in the Huon Valley, and there is a real risk that communities and properties will be affected.

Commander Tony Cerritelli said members of the public must stay away – for their own safety and to assist the hard-working firefighters and other support agencies.

“People should not come into the affected Central Highlands areas or the affected Huon areas in particular. Stay off roads that have been closed. Cancel your trips and reconsider any non-essential travel,” Commander Cerritelli said.

“Visibility on the roads is likely to be reduced due to smoke, ash and embers and there is the potential for roads to be blocked by fire.

“We need people to stay away from bushfire-affected areas to ensure emergency services vehicles can get to where they are needed as quickly as possible and to reduce the risk of crashes and people being impacted by a fast-moving fire.

“For your own safety and the safety of others, please stay away from areas affected by bushfires this weekend.

“If you must travel to other areas of the state and the roads are impacted by smoke, turn your headlights on and decrease your speed. And remember to always give way to emergency vehicles.

“Reducing the impact on the emergency services effort can be greatly assisted by minimising your presence on the roads and staying away from affected areas.”

Stay up-to-date about the current fire situation by tuning in to ABC Radio and checking the TFS website www.fire.tas.gov.au and the TasAlert site www.alert.tas.gov.au

Road closures are also updated on the Tasmania Police website https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/