Tas: Residents flee flames as fire ravages Scamander

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2006
Tas: Residents flee flames as fire ravages Scamander

Residents in bushfire-ravaged Scamander in Tasmania have told of fleeing for their
lives .. as a fireball enveloped the township.

At least 14 houses were lost in the blaze on the island state's north-east coast last night.

Shocked residents are still trying to make sense of the destruction .. as authorities
assess the damage and work to restore power and phone services.

SUE BROWN says she grabbed her daughter and her dog and fled her home last night ..

as the flames roared up over the hill .. and the air was filled with smoke and the sound
of houses exploding and trees going down.

She was relieved to find her house in Silver Street still standing today .. but she
fears the threat isn't over yet.

ANNETTE HALTON in Scamander Avenue hosed down the back fence to keep the flying embers
at bay this morning .. but her car's packed and she's ready to run.

Neighbour DON DORAN says he knows people who have lost their homes .. and his car's
packed and his two dogs are ready to go as well.

AAP RTV cmb/gfr/jmt

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES TAS REAX (HOBART)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.