What is the location of the bushfire?

As of February 13, 2025, bushfire that began on the Yellowband Plain is threatening lives and homes on Tasmania’s West Coast region, Australia (1)(2). The bushfire is active in a region stretching several miles south of Smithton and Burnie to Queenstown.

The fire is approaching Zeehan, a former mining town with a population of about 700 people.

Which cities or areas are affected by the bushfire?

The primary areas impacted by the bushfire include:

• Zeehan
• Queenstown
• Sandy Cape
• Pieman Heads 

Infrastructure damage has been reported, including the destruction of the Pine Forest Moor Hut along the Overland Track, a well-known hiking trail running in part through Cradle Mountain.

What is the current containment status of the bushfire?

The bushfire, fueled by an ongoing heatwave, remains uncontrolled, with emergency crews actively battling multiple fires across the region.

Fire conditions have been described by the Tasmania Fire Service as being “uncontrollable, unpredictable, and fast-moving (3).” Aerial support and ground crews are working under challenging conditions, including high winds and heatwaves. Some slight rainfall has provided temporary relief, but full containment has not yet been achieved.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Authorities have issued evacuation orders and warnings. Zeehan residents were initially told to evacuate if safe, but it is now "not safe to return."

Queenstown Sports Stadium is functioning as an official evacuation center. Zeehan Primary School has been designated as a place of last resort.

Residents in high-risk areas, such as Sandy Cape and Pieman Heads, have been warned to prepare for evacuation due to shifting fire conditions. West Coast Tasmanian residents are also urged to stay informed via TasAlert and ABC local radio and avoid returning to affected areas until authorities confirm it is safe.

How can I protect myself from bushfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from bushfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter bushfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.