Urgent search as firefighting helicopter CRASHES in a paddock during battle with a blaze 

A helicopter attempting to help battle a bushfire in northern Tasmania has crashed into a nearby paddock.

Emergency services are rushing to attend the scene after reporters the aircraft crashed on Monday afternoon near Lebrina. 

There are no confirmed injuries or casualties at this stage, with Tasmania Police confirming they had been called to a property in the area after reports of the accident.

They confirmed they are awaiting further information before making a statement, with a press conference expected to be held later on Monday.

The bushfire in Lebrina was sparked last week after a burn-off in a private property in the area got out of hand, with the inferno now torching through more than 1,500 hectares of bushland.  

Crews had been battling fires in the area, with one onlooker telling The Examiner a blaze ‘went off like a bomb’.  

Conditions had been worsening over the weekend, with heavy smoke engulfing the region as firefighters serached private properties to ensure people had evacuated.   

More to come.