UPDATE 6.10pm:
A SERIES of controlled back-burn operations are being undertaken on Russell Island.
Residents are urged to close windows and doors, with heavier smoke conditions anticipated throughout the night, a Redland City Council spokesperson said.
“Those who suffer from respiratory illness should keep medications close by or move to the evacuation centre,” the spokesperson said.
While the fire has been contained, it is not yet out, a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said.
Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions which are currently favourable but may change by Sunday.
There are no movement restrictions in place but motorists should drive to conditions and be vigilant with emergency services working in the area.
Eight rural, two urban and three council fire crews will continue efforts to extinguish fires overnight, with efforts expected to continue throughout the weekend.
Nine people are currently at the Russell Island Recreation hall evacuation centre at 1 Alison Crescent with support services being provided by the Red Cross and Council.
The evacuation centre will remain open until further notice.
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.
UPDATE 2:37pm:
Russell Island residents should not be alarmed at a helicopter working on the northern end of the island this afternoon.
The fires at the southern end have not spread, rather Redland City Council will conduct aerial spraying.
A council spokeswoman said the fires and hotter-than-usual conditions might cause mosquito larvae to hatch more rapidly, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
The idea was to manage the potential public health risks from mosquito breeding.
Aerial spraying will occur in the vicinity of Giants Grave wetland, south of Deenya Parade and Currong Street, at the northern end of Russell Island away from the fire areas and any emergency services personnel.
Treatments will target the newly hatched larvae of specific mosquito species before they can fly.
The spokeswoman said agencies were working together to ensure that spraying did not interfere with efforts to combat the fire on the ground and in the air, nor present a safety risk to residents or emergency services personnel.
UPDATE 2:10PM:
Fire crews are dealing with seven flare ups at the south west end of Russell Island as investigators arrive.
Fire fighters are suspicious that arson could be a factor in how the fire started because it flared up in several places about the same time.
Police also are understood to be monitoring the movement of people in and out of fire areas to ensure no break-ins occur.
Regardless, the Local Disaster Management Group and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services say the main fire remains contained and no houses are under threat.
More flare ups may occur through the afternoon as authorities monitor weather conditions.
QFES rural, urban crews and Redland City Council fire units remain on the ground and backed up by water bombers.
Police are restricting movements back into an area south of Glendale Road, east of Centre Road and south of Stradbroke Drive.
Residents within this area have been offered the opportunity to stay or voluntarily evacuate.
A total of 18 people are at the Community Recreation hall evacuation centre at 1 Alison Crescent.
UPDATE 12:15PM
FIRE fighters are working to extinguish new spot fires on the southern end of Russell Island.
With some fires located under power lines, rural fire Service Brisbane acting director Robert Downey said the cause of the blaze would be investigated.
Three residents in the past hour have contacted incident control to report spot fires.
A spotter helicopter and water bombing helicopter are helping five Rural Fire Service and three Redland City Council crews to douse small blazes.
A Redland City Council spokesman said that earlier today police had to go from home to home in the Boronia Avenue, Rodds Road and Grove Road area when fire came close to houses.
Although conditions are currently stable, more flare ups are expected this afternoon as temperatures rise.
Crews back burned through the night and the fire is burning safely within containment lines.
Smoke will affect Russell Island, surrounding islands and the mainland for some days.
Residents are advised to shut windows and doors and those who suffer from a respiratory illness should keep medications close by.
UPDATE 9:53AM:
Spot fires and patches continue to flare up on Russell Island within a 28 hectare area as relief crews from Brisbane’s northside travel to the island to relieve local firefighters.
All spot fires are contained and a portable weather station is being set up to help monitor conditions this afternoon.
The Bay Islands Christmas Carols, that were to be held in the Russell Island hall from 5.30pm tonight, have been cancelled.
Redland City Council fire crews expect the fire will likely burn for several days, warning residents not to be complacent.
The evacuation centre is at the Russell Island Recreation Hall, corner of Alison Crescent and High Street, near the ferry terminal.
UPDATE: FRIDAY 9:36AM:
Back burning is underway in the vicinity of Glendale Road and Victoria Avenue to reduce potential impacts on nearby residential properties.
As the day heats up, risks are expected to increase, particularly this afternoon.
A Redland City Council spokeswoman said experience with the huge fires on North Stradbroke Island from December 2013 to January 2014 was that these fires could burn for many days.
The Stradbroke fires burned sporadically for 16 days.
At Russell there are three separate fires, all at the southern end of the island, totalling 28 hectares but not all of that area is ablaze.
The spokeswoman said an area being closely watched was inaccessible wetlands at the southern end of the island, known as Melomy’s Wetlands, where a fire continued to burn.
“Wetlands pose a significant risk as fire burns underneath the peat moss and is difficult to detect until it emerges at another location,’’ she said.
Fire investigators attended Russell Island from 7pm last night (Thursday) to attempt to determine the cause of the fire, with some locals alleging that it started almost simultaneously in two or three different places.
Three people remain at the evacuation centre and Red Cross volunteers will remain there through the day.
Mayor Karen Williams, Local Disaster Coordinator Nick Clarke and councillors thanked council staff who worked late into the night and started early again this morning.
UPDATE: Friday 7.10am
FIVE firefighting crews have been deployed to join the seven crews battling the blaze on Russell Island after the fire intensified with flare-ups last night.
Back-burning operations in the vicinity of Glendale Road and Victoria Avenue are now underway to reduce the fuel load available to three separate fires, which endanger about 20 streets on the island, a Redland City Council spokesperson said.
At the southern end of the island, a fire continues to burn in the inaccessible Melomy’s Wetlands.
The fire broke out about 2.15pm yesterday, with water bomber planes and helicopters deployed in a co-ordinated effort to help the crews below douse the flames.
The fire is not yet out and residents should not be complacent, a Redland City Council spokesperson said.
“While weather conditions are quite cool this morning a hot day is predicted. As the day heats up there is further risk,” they said.
A watch and act alert is still in place across the island, which means residents need to be aware of the heightened level of threat, be aware of the situation and be prepared to protect themselves and their family.
A total of 25 people and their pets stayed overnight in the evacuation centre, located at the community hall on the corner of Alison Crescent and High Street, with three people there now.
The evacuation centre will remain open throughout the day.
Residents are urged to follow the direction of emergency services and if necessary, move out quickly.
“If you do not have a fire plan, relocate yourself to the community hall,” the Redland City Council spokesperson said.
“Check on your neighbour. Do not wait to relocate.”
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.
UPDATE 8:06pm:
The Russell Island fire has been contained, with just the loss of a single shed.
Worryingly, the spectre of arson has been raised, with Cr Mark Edwards saying there were suspicions that the fierce blaze erupted in perhaps two or three places at once.
“One lady I spoke to who rang the fire brigade said she had seen fire on one side of the road and the next minute there was smoke on the other side as well,’’ Cr Edwards said.
“There’s no proof of anything at this stage. We’ll have to see what firefighters say.’’
Cr Edwards said firefighters had done a magnificent job in difficult weather conditions.
There was no risk to houses by 8pm, except for two homes in Yara Street.
“I think they should be all right,’’ he said. “I built one of those and it’s built to Australian standard fire rating.’’
Cr Edwards said the fire would be allowed to burn itself out in an area away from homes.
This would reduce the fire load on the island.
“It’s hard. You have a conservation area and a lot of places in the old subdivisions built almost right in it,’’ he said.
It’s unclear yet what the morning may bring, with bushfires often flaring up again for days, depending on fuel loads and weather conditions.
UPDATE 6:16pm:
About 60 homes are under threat, but as yet none have been lost.
The fire is at Centre Road west to Hemp Hill Road and south and east from centre Road to Rampart drive, which is in the lower southern area towards the middle of the island.
Residents are advised to call 000 if their property comes under threat although firemen can make no promises about attending to individual properties.
As night falls, fire fighters hope the wind will ease, allowing them to take control of the blaze.
UPDATE 5.49pm:
Police are using taxis and buses to help evacuate people from the fire zone as fire bombers attack the blaze.
Redland City Council warns residents to obey instructions from emergency personnel and to get out of the way of the fire’s path.
They continue to urge all residents in the vicinity of the fire to retreat to the community centre near the island’s ferry terminal.
UPDATE 5.45pm:
ONE shed has been burnt down in the blaze on Russell Island as firefighters work to contain the fire which now threatens 60 homes.
Rural Fire Services’ Superintendent Wayne Waltisbuhl said two fixed water bombers and three water-bombing helicopters were working in a co-ordinated effort to help the nine crew below douse the flames.
“Our aim is to give this fire a belting tonight to allow fire crews to contain it,” Mr Waltisbuhl said.
The fire is at Centre Road west to Hemp Hill Road and south and east from Centre Road to Rampart Drive, which is in the lower southern area of the island, towards the middle of the island.
More than 24 rural fire service volunteers have been dispatched from the greater Brisbane region to relief crew who have battled the blaze since 2.15pm, Mr Waltisbuhl said.
Four Queensland Fire and Rescue crews from the mainland will be helping to battle the blaze on Thursday night.
Russell Island residents have congregated at the Russell Island Community Hall, with police door-knocking homes in evacuation efforts.
The Russell Island Community Hall, manned by Red Cross volunteers and Redland City Council staff, is at the corner of Alison Crescent and High Street, near the ferry terminal.
Residents are urged to move from their homes to avoid the threats of smoke inhalation and burns.
An emergency situation was declared on the island by police at 3.08pm, under the Public Safety Preservation Act in Russell Island this afternoon.
“Secure your homes and leave,” a council spokesperson said.
“It is important to follow direction from police and firefighters. Check on your neighbours and take any medication with you.
“Do not try to second guess this fire. Move out of the area. Don’t wait.”
People arriving to the island via water taxi will be given the appropriate precautions and advice by emergency services personnel.
UPDATE 3.40pm:
RUSSELL Island residents relocating to escape the large bushfire burning on the island are urged to avoid Sandy Point, which could be cut-off soon.
Areas affected by the bushfire are bordered by Centre Road west to Hemp Hill Road South, east from Centre Road to Rampart Drive, and south.
Residents are advised to relocate now if there plan is to relocate or if they do not have a plan, a Redland City Council spokesman.
Residents of Russell island who wish to self-evacuate can go to the community recreation hall at the corner of Alison Crescent and High Street.
Police declared an emergency situation on the island from 3.08pm, with the Local Disaster Management centre activated.
EARLIER:
RUSSELL Island residents are being urged to relocate to safety as fire crews and a water bombing helicopter battle a large fire on the island.
It is believed three homes have already been affected by the blaze, which is travelling in a south-westerly direction.
Areas of Centre Road and Hume Street are expected to be affected within the next hour.
Authorities were alerted to the fire at 2.15pm.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have warned firefighters may not be able to protect every affected property.
Redland City Council has opened its evacuation centre and residents can relocate to the Russell Island Community Centre, near the ferry terminal, if they are unable to relocate to family and friends.
Residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:
- Putting on protective clothing;
- Drinking lots of water;
- Moving car/s to a safe location;
- Closing windows and doors and shutting blinds;
- Bringing pets inside, restraining them (leash, cage or secure room) and providing water;
- Wetting down fine fuels close to buildings;
- Removing garden furniture, doormats and other items;
- Sealing all gaps under doors and screens;
- Filling containers with water - eg bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins;
- Having ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside);
- Having a generator or petrol powered pump ready; and
- Checking and patrolling outside for embers, extinguishing any spot fires and seeking shelter as the fire front arrives.
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if they believe their property comes under threat.
Regular updated information will be provided on the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFS) website at https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or listen to local radio.
For information on current bushfire incidents visit https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map.