Firefighters have got on top of a blaze that at one stage threatened lives and homes in Tasmania's north.
The bushfire at George Town was downgraded to an advice at about 6.30pm on Tuesday.
The fire was first reported at 2pm and escalated to an emergency warning of catastrophic fire by 3.15pm, fanned by winds and prompting the evacuation of nearby homes.
Inspector Michael Johnston said the fire had been quick-moving.
"At one stage the fire took a quick run across George Street and came towards Mount George, there were a number of houses at risk at that stage," he told reporters.
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"The winds are in excess of 30km/h and they're driving the fire when it's going quite quickly on the ground."
About 20 fire units, three aerial units and bulldozers to cut tracks were called to the scene.
The fire was first reported about 2pm.
"This catastrophic fire will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Thick smoke and thousands of embers will cause fires all around you," a warning read earlier today.
"The safest way to survive is to prepare to leave now for a safer place. If you don't have safe route to a safer place, shelter inside your home until the fire passes."
