A bushfire burning northwest of Hobart has been downgraded to a Watch And Act status, after causing alarm tonight.
The fire in Tasmania's Derwent Valley was earlier threatening communities amidst reports of outbuildings and cars being destroyed, and authorities issued an emergency alert as it headed for the communities of Molesworth, Glenlusk and Collinsvale.
That status has now been downgraded, but authorities warn there may still be spot fires and embers.
TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE INFORMATION
Governor-General Quentin Bryce has visited bushfire ravaged southern Tasmania today.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
A total fire ban was declared for a second straight day and widened to include areas in the north of the state following hot and windy conditions today.
Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Mike Brown was urging residents throughout the state to check their bushfire plans.
"Today saw bushfires start in both the southern and northern regions which were difficult to control due to the warmer windy weather, and tomorrow will be no different as parts of the state reach temperatures into the 30s," Mr Brown said.
Ms Bryce swapped the ice of Antarctica on Tuesday for the ashen scenery around Dunalley a day later where more than 60 buildings were destroyed last month.
Donning an Akubra hat, she toured several properties including an oyster processing business burnt to the ground in the state's worst fires in 50 years.
Ms Bryce met the principal from the the destroyed Dunalley Primary School, due to reopen with temporary facilities next week.
"It's the children starting school that are uppermost in our minds," she told reporters. "The school is right at the heart of every community. "Let's remember, this is a long road to recovery.
"We all have to be here whenever we can supporting this community."
Ms Bryce paid tribute to emergency services personnel who fought the fires.
She later visited the destroyed property of one firefighter at Murdunna, south of Dunalley.
"It's a story of hope and inspiration and courage, very fine values shining through in very tough times, a reminder of how volatile the most beautiful environment is," she said.
