Dodges Ferry Fire Brigade

09/10/2026

Firefighters are urging residents, particularly in rural communities, to check for fire threats posed by vermin nests in vehicles.

Tasmania Fire Service recently attended a fire at a Latrobe-area property in which a tractor sustained significant damage, after a nest built in the engine bay caught fire.

There have been other callouts to fires involving farm equipment and vehicles, with nests built by birds or rodents catching alight once the vehicle has started.

TFS District Officer Jaron Oosterloo encouraged drivers and vehicle owners to check vehicles for vermin nests that could become a fire hazard.

“It is a problem that we see at different times of the year, and particularly if vehicles have been unused for a while or sitting idle,” District Officer Oosterloo said.

“Vermin such as rats and mice, or birds, like to get into the engine or exhaust area of the vehicle, where it’s warm and dry, and make their nests.

“These nests are often built out of grass, twigs, or paper and those types of materials that can be highly flammable. Nests can catch fire quickly the next time the vehicle is started.”

District Officer Oosterloo said people were often unsuspecting of the fire threat, so it was timely to do a quick maintenance check. Vermin can also be responsible for unexpected electrical faults caused by damaged or chewed wires.

09/10/2026

Please be fire safe 😊🚒

🔥 Tasmanians are being urged to take extra caution against bushfires over the coming days, with increased fire danger weather forecast for several parts of the state on Saturday.

A high fire danger rating has been forecast for North East, East Coast, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley, South East and Central Plateau districts due to warmer, dry weather and gusty westerly winds.

These conditions mean that fires can start easily and spread quickly.

While there are currently no fire restrictions in place and the Fire Permit Period has not yet commenced, we're asking the community to take a few simple steps to help keep Tasmania safe:

✅ Check any campfires, burn-offs or fire pits lit in recent days or weeks and make sure they are fully extinguished. Remember: soak it, stir it, soak it again.
✅ Review your bushfire survival plan so you know what you'll do if a fire starts.
✅ Stay informed through the TasALERT app, TasALERT or ABC Local Radio.
✅ If you see smoke, flames, or a fire that appears to have reignited, don't assume someone else has reported it. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

We're working hard to keep the community safe, but everyone has a role to play in reducing fire risk.

07/10/2026

💙 With the Tasman Bridge illuminated blue tonight, we pause in solidarity with our colleagues at NSW Police Force and pay our respects to Constable Mia Lay who tragically lost her life while on duty on 25 September.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Constable Lay's family and loved ones, and all our extended blue family in NSW at this difficult time.

“And we that are left, shall never forget; rest in peace friend and colleague, for the sun has now set.” [Ode to a Police Officer] 💙

06/10/2026

Just prior to 10pm last night (5 October), Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) and Tasmania Police responded to a structure fire at Third Avenue, Midway Point.

On arrival, there was a significant blaze impacting the residence.

All occupants were able to evacuate, while neighbours contacted emergency services.

A woman was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The family's pets were safely rescued by TFS.

The prompt and efficient action by TFS volunteer brigades prevented the house from being completely destroyed and stopped the fire from impacting other nearby properties.

An investigation into the cause of the fire will commence this morning, 6 October.

03/10/2026

24/09/2026

24/09/2026

Last night at 6:30pm and again tonight at 6pm our brigade responded to deliberately lit fires in the Dodges Ferry Recreation Park. Tasmania Police have been advised and are investigating. It has been reported that young people were observed lighting these fires and then riding away on scooters. This is deeply concerning behaviour.

As we are now heading into the Bushfire Season we are asking our community to please talk to your children and explain to them the dangers of this type of risky behaviour not only for themselves but also our community. Our members are always ready to respond to fires, however it is very disappointing when this is a deliberate action that puts everyone at risk. If you have any information relating to these incidents please ring CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you see a fire please ring Triple Zero (000).
Thank you 😊🚒

20/09/2026

Fire crews are continuing their work this morning to ensure fires across Tasmania’s south remain controlled.

🧑‍🚒The focus of today’s firefighting will be in the Seven Mile Beach and the Colebrook areas.

After a day of high fire activity on Sunday, with multiple bushfires pushed by high wind gusts in hot, dry conditions, the fire threat has eased.

➡️The fires at Seven Mile Beach and Colebrook have been downgraded to Advice level.

However, communities are urged not to be complacent and remain vigilant about fire risks and monitoring fire activity.

Current warnings in place at 9am are:
📌Bushfire Advice – Seven Mile Beach – Threat is reduced
📌Bushfire Advice – Yarlington Road, Colebrook – Threat is reduced.
📌Bushfire Advice – Mud Walls Road, Colebrook – Monitor conditions.
📌Bushfire Smoke Alert – Dodges Ferry, Carlton, Seven Mile Beach – Avoid smoke.
📌Bushfire Smoke Alert – Oatlands – Avoid Smoke

Fire investigators will be on scene today to start investigations into the potential cause of the fires.

👀📞Anyone who sees smoke, flames, or a fire that may have reignited should not assume it has already been reported. If you see something that looks like a fire, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

➡️ Stay informed by monitoring warnings and incident information through the TasALERT app, at TasALERT.com, or by listening to ABC Local Radio.

➡️ Preparedness information and advice on how to get ready for bushfire season is available at bushfire.tas.gov.au

➡️More information about preparing your property can be found at www.fire.tas.gov.au

20/09/2026

Well done to all crews 😊🚒

** UPDATED @ 9.05pm **

Tasmania Fire Service has downgraded the Advice warning for residents of Lewisham, Dodges Ferry and Carlton.

While the fire at Seven Mile Beach remains active, wind activity has reduced and Lewisham, Dodges Ferry and Carlton are at minimal risk of embers.

Crews will continue to monitor the fire at Seven Mile Beach overnight.

A smoke alert remains in place for the area.

If you do see a fire or smoke in the area, report it to Triple Zero (000).

** EARLIER **

Firefighters have faced a challenging day of extreme wind gusts and hot, dry conditions which fuelled multiple bushfires across Tasmania’s south.

Fire crews, including specialist aircraft, were deployed to attack bushfires at Colebrook, Seven Mile Beach and the Dodges Ferry area. In the past 24 hours, Tasmania Fire Service attended 70 fires.

Wind gusts across the south at times hit more than 100km/h, which elevated the difficulty of containing the fires.

The State Emergency Service reported 20 calls for assistance in a 24-hour period.

A report of a shed being damaged by fire at Colebrook is under investigation.

With dry and windy conditions expected to persist into this evening and early tomorrow, firefighters will continue working through the night.

Warnings in place at 5.30pm today were:

🔥Bushfire Watch and Act – Seven Mile Beach – Avoid the area.

🔥Bushfire Watch and Act – Colebrook – Yarlington Road, Monitor conditions as they are changing.

🔥Bushfire Advice – Colebrook – Mud Walls Road, Monitor conditions as they are changing.

🔥Bushfire Advice for Lewisham, Dodges Ferry, and Carlton, Be aware of ember attacks.

Regional Fire Controller Scott Vinen said fire crews had done an exceptional job amid difficult conditions.

“Tasmania Fire Service were called to a fire at Springhill Bottom Road, at Colebrook, around 11 this morning. Fifteen crews and four aircraft have been working to contain the fire,” he said.

“A Watch and Act warning is in place and we’re advising the community to monitor conditions, as they are changing.

“Fire crews were also called to a fire on Pittwater Road, Seven Mile Beach, around 11.30am. Multiple crews, including Parks and Wildlife Service, are working to contain the fire.

“A Watch & Act warning is in place with people advised to avoid the area.”

Tasmania Fire Service is asking people to be aware that current weather conditions, combined with a dry landscape, means that any fires lit today and tomorrow could spread easily and be dangerous and difficult to control.

Communities are being urged to take all precautions against fire risk and to ensure they have a bushfire emergency plan in place.

Know your risk, develop and practice bushfire plans, clean up yards and paddocks, clear roof gutters and remove flammable waste from around the home.

Anyone who sees smoke, flames, or a fire that may have reignited should not assume it has already been reported.

If you see something that looks like a fire, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

📲Stay informed by monitoring warnings and incident information through the TasALERT app, at TasALERT.com, or by listening to ABC Local Radio.

🔥Preparedness information and advice on how to get ready for bushfire season is available at bushfire.tas.gov.au

📲More information about preparing your property can be found at www.fire.tas.gov.au

19/06/2026

Timely reminder not to use sand or dirt to try and extinguish fires. Soak it, stir, soak again and ensure there is no heat left to cause burns.

Nine-year-old Evie was doing what most kids love, exploring and playing outdoors.

While visiting her aunt’s property, Evie spotted what looked like a pile of sand. Thinking it was safe, she jumped straight in.

But it wasn’t sand! The day before, it had been a bonfire. The fire had been covered with sand to put it out, but underneath, it was still dangerously hot.

In an instant, Evie suffered a serious burn to her ankle.

Thankfully, Evie’s nan knew exactly what to do:
• Removed her shoes immediately
• Placed her burn under cool running water for 20 minutes

This quick action helped to reduce the severity of the burn before Evie was taken to a GP, who referred her to the RHH Burns Unit.

Evie’s injury was severe. She required skin graft surgery and will need to wear a pressure bandage for 1–2 years.

But the impact went beyond the physical injury.

Evie missed the rest of the school year, time with friends, and even her much-anticipated cheer presentation.

Mum Tara says it was a difficult time for the whole family.

“I am extremely grateful to my workplace for being so flexible. Balancing care, recovery, and everyday life was certainly a challenge. Evie is so resilient and brave, but we certainly weren’t prepared for how long and hard the recovery process was going to be.”

Today, Evie is back at school and enjoying cheer with her friends, but her recovery still has a way to go.

Never cover a fire with sand to extinguish it.

Instead:
➡️ Soak it with water
➡️ Stir it
➡️ Soak it again

🔥 Always ensure fires are completely out and cool before leaving them.
🔥 Keep children well away from any recently extinguished fire area.
🔥 Never leave a fire unattended or smouldering overnight.

This Burns Awareness Month, make sure you know what to do, be prepared and act fast.