Popular Hike Track Remains Closed Due to Ongoing Blazes

Due to challenging bushfire conditions, the reopening of a popular hiking track is being delayed as emergency crews work to contain out-of-control blazes.

The closure of the Overland Track in Tasmania has been extended until Feb. 23 after it was initially closed on Feb. 5 due to a fire at Canning Peak near Cradle Mountain in the state’s central highlands.

Following dry lightning that sparked the blaze on Feb. 3, bushwalkers have been turned away from this beloved trail in the state’s World Heritage Wilderness Area.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service’s Nic Deka mentioned that the extended closure is necessary due to the ongoing challenging fire conditions expected to persist into the following week.

“The Overland Track closure is being extended for two weeks to ensure the fire boundaries are contained and there is certainty of our ability to keep walkers safe,” Deka stated.

State Fire Commander Matt Lowe detailed that the Canning Peak fire has spread to 1700 hectares, with most of the growth attributed to back burning efforts.

Parks and Wildlife’s Ahsley Rushton confirmed that the back burning has impacted a section of the Overland Track’s boardwalk.

“We haven’t been able to do a full assessment yet, which is part of the reason for the extended closure,” he explained to reporters on Feb. 7.

Firefighters are actively responding to other fires in Tasmania’s northwest, with the largest fires at Canning Peak, Savage River, and Arthur Pieman Conservation area burning over 20,000 hectares, according to Lowe.

“We are conducting containment works, including mechanical, back burning, and aerial operations, and residents should expect to see smoke in the air,” added Lowe.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Luke Johnston mentioned that weather conditions in Tasmania are expected to calm through the weekend and the early part of the following week, with relatively low temperatures and winds.

“There may be some isolated light showers near the fires in the northwest in the coming days, but it is unlikely to have a significant impact,” he stated.

The Overland Track is set to reopen on Feb. 24, and full refunds will be provided to those with bookings while the track remains closed.