Bushfire threat in northern Tasmania

Authorities have issued a watch-and-act warning for a bushfire in northern Tasmania where private property could be threatened.

The blaze at Pipers River, north of Launceston, started at about 2pm Thursday and will be difficult to control, the Tasmania Fire Service website says.

"This fire may put Pipers River, School Road, Bridport Road, and Weymouth Road at high risk within the next hour," said the alert, which also prompted nearby residents to be ready to evacuate their homes if the threat increases.