Residents Angry After Seven Mile Beach Bushfire and Registered Burn Amid Dire Forecast
SEVEN MILE BEACH, TASMANIA — September 21, 2026

Residents east of Hobart are questioning why a total fire ban was not imposed over the weekend after a bushfire erupted near Seven Mile Beach during strong winds and heightened fire danger.

The blaze broke out on Sunday, September 20, about 15 kilometres east of Hobart, sending thick smoke towards nearby communities including Lewisham and Dodges Ferry. The fire was brought under control by the Tasmania Fire Service later that night.

Residents Fear Embers Could Reach Homes
The fire burned across an area separated from residential communities by a water channel about 400 metres wide.

Strong winds pushed smoke towards nearby homes, with gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour recorded around Hobart.

Residents described a tense afternoon as they watched the fire and feared burning embers could cross the water.

Lewisham resident Suzy Lebasi said the situation was particularly concerning because of the combination of dry conditions, strong winds and nearby homes.

Registered Burn Raises Questions
A registered burn-off had taken place on private land at Seven Mile Beach around the same period.

The Tasmania Fire Service has not determined that the burn-off caused the bushfire. The cause of the Seven Mile Beach fire remains under investigation.

However, residents have questioned why burning activities were allowed to continue despite warnings about dangerous weather conditions.

The TFS had held a press conference on Friday and strongly discouraged people preparing registered burns from continuing with those activities because of the forecast conditions.

Firefighters Report Around 60 Fires
Tasmania Fire Service deputy regional chief John Holloway said approximately 60 fires were reported across the state on Sunday, with many associated with burn-offs that were not adequately managed in the prevailing weather.

He warned that people conducting burns needed to closely monitor weather forecasts and official warnings.

Holloway said landowners could be held responsible if a burn escaped and caused damage to neighbouring property.

The TFS also warned that even a single ember could start another fire under sufficiently dry conditions.

Fire Danger Had Been Forecast
The conditions had been anticipated by authorities, with Tasmania experiencing hot temperatures and strong winds over the weekend.

The forecast fire danger rating issued on Friday showed pockets of extreme and high fire danger for Sunday.

Other fires were also reported across southern Tasmania, including two bushfires near Colebrook. Firefighters worked through difficult conditions as strong winds increased the risk of rapid fire spread.

Fire Threat Eases but Vigilance Urged
By Monday, the immediate threat to the Dodges Ferry area had eased, although the Seven Mile Beach fireground was still smouldering and smoke remained an issue.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as Tasmania heads into the warmer months.

The investigation into the cause of the Seven Mile Beach fire is continuing, including examination of the circumstances surrounding the registered burn.

Sources: ABC News Australia; Tasmania Fire Service; Bureau of Meteorology.