CANBERRA: Residents of a coastal community in the northeast of the Australian island state of Tasmania have been told to leave immediately due to the threat posed by a bushfire that has destroyed two structures.
An emergency warning issued by the Tasmania Fire Service (TFA) on Wednesday morning for Stieglitz, a coastal town 190 kilometres northeast of the state capital of Hobart with a population of around 600, said that a nearby uncontrolled fire is expected to put lives in danger and could destroy homes, reports Xinhua news agency.
It said that the safest way for residents to survive is to leave immediately.
"There is expected to be thick smoke and showers of embers, which may cause fires all around you. Spot fires may threaten your home before the main fire arrives. Smoke and ash may make it difficult to see and breathe, " the TFS said.
Earlier, authorities announced that more than 30 homes had been damaged or destroyed by a bushfire in Tasmania.