UPDATE 11:30AM
THE Russell Island fire is contained in one place and inaccessible in another, says QFES staff.
One fire crew remains on scene but firefighters report there are no immediate concerns, with emergency staff helped by atmospheric moisture and cooler conditions.
UPDATE 3.30pm
A SECOND vegetation fire has broken out on Russell Island.
The fire is in Stradbroke Drive, a short distance away from where another bushfire broke out earlier on Wednesday morning.
There is no threat to property from either of the fires.
The first fire is burning in the vicinity of Glendale Road, Centre Road and Cunningham Avenue.
Seventeen fire crews were working with aerial support to monitor and extinguish the blazes about 3.15pm.
UPDATE 2.30pm
THE fire on Russell Island was burning within containment lines and not a threat to property, according to an update at 2.30pm.
The bushfire advice message from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services stated 13 fire crews were working with aerial support to extinguish the blaze.
UPDATE 11.45am
FIRE crews on the ground together with aerial support are fighting a large grass fire on Russell Island.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued an advice message at 11.45am regarding the fire which broke out about 9am on Wednesday.
A QFES spokesperson said the fire was burning in the vicinity of Glendale Road, Centre Road and Cunningham Avenue.
PREVIOUSLY
ANOTHER fire has broken out on Russell Island, the second in two months.
Four Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews are fighting the blaze in windy conditions, with further crews and air support enroute.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warn the fire is large and fast-moving in the vicinity of Cunningham Avenue.
Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which broke out earlier this morning.
Residents have raised fears that the fire was deliberately lit
A resident of the Glendale Road area said she was having coffee on her veranda when she heard the tell-tale crackle of a fire.
She said that when she went to investigate, a trail bike raced away from the source of the flames, which was near where the December fire occurred.
“I’ve informed (firefighters) that this is where the fire started,’’ she said.
“The bike took off at a million miles an hour and was going through the gears like you wouldn’t believe.
“This is bringing back a lot of bad memories.’’
It comes as Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner Tom Dawson calls on residents to report bushfires to 000 and report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers.
He said that high temperatures were contributing to erratic fire behaviour.
“With temperatures being consistently above average, we are seeing some erratic fire behaviour and it’s causing us difficulty in predicting the pattern and spread of fires once they ignite,” Mr Dawson said.
“This combined with low humidity and increased winds create conditions where fires may develop quickly, spread rapidly and become more intense.
“Many regions have felt the effects of the current temperatures and residents need to remain vigilant as this bushfire season is likely to continue until we see decent rainfall in those areas.
“...Any bushfire in these conditions has the potential to gain intensity very quickly and move rapidly, but QFES is ready to respond as soon as the initial report comes through.’’
“...If anyone does witness suspicious behaviour around a bushfire we encourage them to call Crime Stoppers and report what they saw as it can help piece together the picture for our firefighters.”
Mr Dawson said residents should have a Bushfire Survival Plan in place in case fire should threaten their home.
“Residents need to take extreme care this weekend and caution should be taken when using power tools or heavy machinery and never throw a cigarette butt from your car, the smallest spark could start a fire.”
To report information on suspicious bushfires please call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
