Tasmanian residents at risk from large bushfire

Residents of Meadowbank, northwest of Hobart are expected to come under direct risk from a large bushfire burning through the area.

The 800 hectare blaze started at Meadowbank after 3pm (local time) on Saturday and fire crews and aircraft are working to bring it under control.

The Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS) has issued a severe fire danger rating in the area and the area of Meadow Bank Road, Glenora residents as well as Karamja and Uxbridge are expected to come under direct risk from the fire front on Sunday afternoon.

TFS warns the bushfire is creating spot fires up to one kilometre ahead and these may threaten homes earlier than the main fire front.

Residents in these areas may also experience embers, smoke and ash falling on their properties.

The TFS has urged residents to activate their bushfire plans, and says it is probably too late to leave the area.

"If your home is well constructed, prepared and actively defended, it may provide shelter," it says.

"If you don't have a plan or your plan is to leave - leave now, only if the path is clear.

"This may include a neighbouring property or other cleared area close by that is not at risk from fire."

Residents who are away from home are urged not to return home as the roads could be dangerous and fire under these conditions may be uncontrollable and unpredictable.

-AAP