HOBART - Heavy rain caused flash flooding in parts of Hobart and across Tasmania today in a bitter-sweet scenario for fire crews.
Tasmania Fire Service southern district deputy regional chief Chris Arnol said crews responded to dozens of alarm calls over the day, most due to floods or
leaking water.
"Although fire fighters welcome the drought-relieving rain today, storms did bring other business for brigades to deal with," Mr Arnol said in a statement released tonight.
He said the three major incident were electricity fires in the sub-station beneath Hobart's Island State Credit Union building, and the electrical plants at the Tasmaid and Cadbury Schweppes factories.
"Crews answered 53 alarm calls today ... most of these calls were of an electrical nature," Mr Arnol said.
"Crews also assisted with flooding at various locations across the city throughout the day."
Mr Arnol said pumps were used to deal with rising flood waters at Cadburys Schweppes factory.
The downpour comes just weeks after fire crews were battling to protect towns in Tasmania's east from a series of massive bushfires.
The wet weather also prompted police today to urge motorists to delay any unnecessary travel.
"Tasmania Police are currently responding to many calls in relation to flooding statewide," a Tasmania Police spokesman said in a statement.
"The public are advised to seek higher ground if their property is being threatened by water and to avoid standing on roofs due to the weather."
- AAP
