Rain provides respite for fire fighters

05/02/2010

Overnight rain on the Lake Mackintosh fire has temporarily cleared smoke from the Tullah and Rosebery areas, and allowed equipment abandoned by fire fighters earlier in the week to be flown from the fireground.

Incident Controller Chris Arthur said that 12 mm of rain was recorded on Thursday night, which has given crews the opportunity to service equipment and ready themselves for a predicted increase in fire behaviour next week.

“We’re really emphasising that this fire will not go out until sustained rainfall saturates the ground under the rainforest canopy,” he said.

“Unfortunately that sort of rain isn’t expected any time soon, so we have to be prepared to be here for the long haul," Mr Arthur said.

The fire remains at about 4,400 ha, with a perimeter of 45 km.

While smoke has abated, a return to warmer conditions at the weekend is expected to see an increase in smoke-related issues, and West Coast residents are advised to check the Tasmania Fire Service website if they have any concerns.

 At Mt Field National Park, access is now available to all areas of the park as the threat from the Wayatinah fire to the north of the park has eased.