Tassal's Dover plant under threat as fires burn across southern Tasmania

Tassal's Dover plant under threat as fires burn across southern Tasmania

Updated about an hour agoSun 28 Sep 2014, 2:30pm

More than a dozen fires are burning in southern Tasmania, fanned by strong winds that have also downed several trees.

With the temperature reaching 28 degrees Celsius and winds gusting over 100 kilometres an hour, fires are burning at Cygnet, Kaoota, Garden Island Creek, Alonnah, Tarraleah, Richmond and Glen Huon.

Two separate bushfires are burning south of Hobart near Kingston.

Fire crews are also working to save the Tassal fish processing plant in Dover from an encroaching blaze.

Extra resources have been called in to fight the Tarraleah fire, which is reported to be 600-700 metres long and moving towards the road.

Severe weather warnings have been issued, with high winds bringing several down trees.

The gusts also forced the early closure of the Hobart Farm Gate market this morning.

A total fire ban remains in place throughout the south of the state.

A cold front is expected across Tasmania this afternoon.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-28/tassal-fish-farm-under-threat-from-dover-fire/5774568