Quick Read
- Extreme winds grounded firefighting aircraft in Tasmania for hours, delaying response efforts.
- Emergency warnings and evacuations were issued for Glenlusk, Dolphin Sands, and Levendale as bushfires threatened homes.
- At least one home was confirmed lost at Dolphin Sands; Glenlusk homes were under direct threat.
- Tasmania Fire Service and police coordinated road closures and evacuation plans amid stretched resources.
- Weather conditions are expected to ease, but residents are urged to monitor updates and act early.
Extreme Winds Ground Aircraft as Tasmania Faces Multiple Bushfire Emergencies
On December 4, 2025, Tasmania found itself facing one of its toughest bushfire days in recent memory. With dangerous winds gusting above 100km/h, firefighting aircraft were grounded for hours, leaving ground crews stretched thin across the state’s south and east. The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) issued emergency warnings for Glenlusk, Dolphin Sands, and Levendale, urging residents to evacuate immediately as flames threatened homes and communities (Pulsetasmania).
Glenlusk: Evacuate Now as Out-of-Control Blaze Threatens Homes
In Glenlusk, north-west of Hobart, the situation escalated rapidly. The bushfire started around midday on Molesworth Road and, driven by unpredictable winds, began racing west to east. By 2pm, the TFS had issued an urgent warning for residents in the area bordered by Brinkmans Road, Faulkners Road, and Molesworth Road: ‘Evacuate now.’
Regional Fire Commander Simon Pilkington described the firefighting conditions as ‘pretty unfavourable,’ citing strong winds and higher-than-expected temperatures that dropped humidity to dangerously low levels. ‘The erratic winds are making it difficult,’ Pilkington told local radio, emphasizing that homes were directly at risk and crews were focused on asset protection.
As the fire advanced, Tasmania Police assisted with road closures and evacuation plans, while the hilly terrain bordering Collinsvale and Mount Faulkner made firefighting access challenging. At least 15 ground crews worked to contain the blaze, but resources were stretched, with nine other fires burning across the southern region.
Dolphin Sands: Home Destroyed, Residents Devastated
On Tasmania’s east coast, Dolphin Sands faced its own crisis. At least one home was destroyed by fire, leaving its owners devastated. Sharing a photo of the ruins on social media, the homeowner wrote, ‘My partner and I poured countless hours into this house, it was the only place that ever felt like home since I moved here 8 years ago. And now it’s gone. I’m devastated.’
The TFS indicated that rapid impact assessment teams would soon confirm the full extent of losses. Residents in the area were told to evacuate without delay, as embers and thick smoke posed further risks. Those with respiratory conditions were urged to prepare for smoke exposure, with local air quality expected to deteriorate as winds carried smoke downhill toward suburbs like Berriedale.
Aircraft Back in Action After Dangerous Winds Subside
For much of the day, firefighting aircraft remained grounded, unable to fly in wind gusts exceeding 100km/h—Hobart recorded 102km/h, and Maria Island saw 113km/h. By late afternoon, conditions began to ease, allowing six aircraft—three from the south and three from the north—to be deployed. Pilkington expressed hope that as the weather improved, crews could ‘regain the initiative and start to get some control.’
Despite this, fire danger ratings remained in the extreme category at several observation sites. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Luke Johnston explained that slightly warmer temperatures and sudden drops in humidity created a perfect storm for fire activity. ‘Relative humidity dropped very low to around 20% very, very quickly,’ Johnston said (ABC Emergency).
Evacuations and Road Closures: Safety First
Authorities stressed that residents should not wait for official warnings to evacuate. Pilkington advised, ‘If you can reasonably remove yourself from an area, if you’ve got somewhere else to go, please take that action early.’ He warned that even old burns could flare up in such volatile weather, and that wind-driven events could rapidly change the fire’s behavior.
Tasmania Police confirmed two key road closures: Dolphin Sands Road (from Cambria Drive) and Glenlusk Road (between 813 Molesworth Road and the Glenlusk intersection). ‘If you come across a road closure, please do not enter the area. Don’t put yourself and others at risk,’ said Acting Inspector Penny Reardon.
Evacuation centers were being prepared, though not yet operational. Residents unable to leave safely were instructed to shelter in the nearest building, a large cleared area, or a stationary car away from vegetation. The TFS emphasized that those already out of the area should not attempt to return, as spot fires could ignite ahead of the main blaze.
Community Response: Monitoring, Planning, and Health Risks
With fire conditions described as ‘changeable,’ the TFS advised everyone in affected areas to monitor official sources such as TasAlert and ABC Local Radio for updates. Those at higher risk from smoke, including people with medical conditions, were encouraged to have a personal health plan. The Department of Health and Asthma Australia provided advice on managing air quality and smoke triggers.
As Friday approached, meteorologists predicted a moderate fire danger with lower winds and temperatures, followed by a cold front and rain—possibly even snow—by Sunday morning. But for many Tasmanians, the threat remained immediate and real. The combination of extreme wind, sudden temperature spikes, and dry conditions had turned a routine summer’s day into a race against time.
Assessment: Tasmania’s December 2025 bushfires reveal how quickly conditions can deteriorate and overwhelm even well-prepared communities. The combination of unpredictable weather, limited aerial support, and stretched ground resources underscores the importance of rapid, decisive action and clear communication in the face of natural disaster. The resilience shown by residents and emergency crews highlights both the vulnerability and strength of Tasmania’s communities when confronted by fire.