At least two structures have been damaged in a bushfire on Tasmania's north-east coast, as firefighters continue battling the blaze.
An emergency alert was issued at around 9.30am for a fire at Dianas Basin travelling towards the small town of Stieglitz, warning that lives and homes were in danger. It was downgraded to a Watch and Act alert level just after noon.
TasAlert warned of thick smoke and showers of embers in surrounding areas, including on the Tasman Highway near Parkside, Parnella and Stieglitz.
The fire had also been at an emergency level on Tuesday afternoon.
Residents in the area were urged to "monitor conditions as they are changing".
The Tasmania Fire Service said local residents had been evacuated last night with about 50 people staying in an evacuation centre in St Helens.
Two structures were damaged, it said. A spokesperson said the service couldn't yet assess if the structures were homes.
St Helens Airport, which is near Stieglitz and used to transport seafood to mainland Australia, is also subject to the fire warning.
While residents decide whether to stay or evacuate the area, others impacted by fires to the south can return to their properties after authorities reopened the area on Tuesday.
The fire at Dolphin Sands burned more than 700 hectares and destroyed over a dozen homes before being contained over the weekend.
The authorities warn smoke and ash may make it difficult to see and breathe, and residents are told to be ready if the situation escalates. According to the 2021 Census, fewer than 600 residents live in Stieglitz, with a median age of 60.
TasAlert has downgraded the fire warning for the Dolphin Sands area, and residents can return to their homes with caution.
Of Tasmania's 11 districts, two — Midlands and Western — have high fire danger ratings for Wednesday, with all areas downgraded or expected to remain at moderate fire danger for Thursday.
The Midlands district is anticipated to return to a high fire danger rating on Friday.
Meanwhile, NSW has also experienced damaging and lethal fires this month, with 45 Advice level fires burning across the state as of Wednesday morning.
A firefighter was killed after he was struck by a falling tree on the NSW mid north coast while fighting a major fire on Sunday night.
Heatwave warnings remain in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
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