Fire breaks out at Hydro Tasmania’s Tungatinah Power Station
A major fire has severely damaged Tungatinah Power Station in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, but authorities say there is currently no threat to the state’s electricity supply.
Emergency crews were called to the station near Tarraleah at about 9pm, with around 25 crews and 45 personnel eventually involved in fighting the blaze. Difficult conditions and the site’s extensive electrical infrastructure made the response challenging.
Tungatinah was Tasmania’s fifth-largest hydro power station, with a generating capacity of 142.2 megawatts, supplying about 5% of the state’s electricity.
The historic building was left largely destroyed. The full extent of damage to its generating equipment is still being assessed.
Hydro Tasmania said the electricity system remains secure and customers, including major industrial users, are not currently affected. The utility also plans to use the Tamar Valley Power Station to provide additional generation capacity.
Around 300 households in nearby areas, including Tarraleah, Bradys Lake and Bronte Park, are experiencing power outages. TasNetworks crews are preparing to restore electricity once the site is declared safe.
Police and fire investigators are examining the scene, but the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have urged the public to stay away while investigations continue.
The Lyell Highway remains closed between Victoria Valley Road and Fourteen Mile Road, with the closure expected to remain in place for about 24 hours.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the damage was significant but reassured Tasmanians that the state’s overall power supply remains stable.
Hydro Tasmania says it has insurance covering its power stations and will assess the repair or replacement costs once the damage is fully understood.
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Source : ABC News
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