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Tas bushfire continues out of control

A bushfire at George Town in northern Tasmania continues to burn out of control into a second day, keeping authorities on alert.

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Source: AAP


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An uncontrolled bushfire in northern Tasmania has burnt through a rubbish dump and car wrecking yard, sending out large plumes of dark smoke.

The 140-hectare blaze east of George Town on Tuesday had reached steep and rocky terrain where incident controller Steve Lowe said it was challenging crews.

"We've been working really hard with dozens of crews supported by air crews, but one section of the fire's eastern fringe is now in an area which is proving difficult to access," he told AAP.

The fire was first reported at about midday Monday and burnt in an easterly direction away from George Town.

However, its path crossed a wrecking yard and the George Town tip.

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"At a tip site there's anything and everything, including plastics that burn and give off acrid smoke," Mr Lowe said.

"We've put out a warning to people who may have respiratory problems and are down wind of the fire."

While an evacuation centre was set up on Monday Mr Lowe said the fire had not threatened homes.

The Tasmania Fire Service maintains an advice-level alert for the fire and the smoke haze.

Back burning is planned for overnight Tuesday and Mr Lowe said if winds remain steady and in a northeasterly direction, the fire should be contained on Wednesday.


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