A MACLEAY Islander has complained about spot fires breaking out after a blaze on the island burnt out 30ha two weeks ago.
It comes as Mt Cotton residents organise a public meeting for Sunday, December 4, to raise the idea of forming a local bush fire brigade.
A Redland City Council spokesman said Mt Cotton was a high risk area for fire which had raised the interest of locals.
Mayor Karen Williams, Cr Julie Talty and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Brisbane region assistant Commissioner Neil Gallant will attend.
The meeting will be at 2pm, Sunday, December 4, at Mount Cotton Rainforest Gardens, Mount View Road, Mount Cotton.
Since the Rural Fire Association spoke to the community late last year, council and QFES have been looking at what is needed to set up a brigade in the area.
The meeting is expected to take about an hour.
Island resident Patrick Molloy said local fire crews continued to put out spot fires as logs and stumps burned down.
He said appliances used by local crews did not have hoses long enough to get into burnt-out areas to douse smouldering material.
Appliances originally brought over from the mainland to fight the fire had much more reach.
“It’s peat-like in some places and makes me wonder just how long it will burn,’’ he said. “For anyone with asthma, they could be in big trouble.
“This has become a health issue as much as anything. You can’t breathe smoke forever.’’
Mr Molloy said the island was unlucky to miss heavy rain which fell on the mainland on Saturday.
Anyone wishing to attend the Mt Cotton meeting can RSVP to june-mary.davis@redland.qld.gov.au
