UPDATE 8.10AM:
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services staff are maintaining a watch on the North Stradbroke Island bushfire.
As at 4.45am the fire was burning in the vicinity of Eighteen Mile Swamp, south of Alfred Martin Way, near Main Beach.
QFES warned people in the area would be affected by smoke, which would reduce visibility and air quality.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Inspector Damian Thomas said back-burning overnight had contained the fire.
Properties are not under direct threat at this time.
Call 000 immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.
UPDATE 4PM:
AUTHORITIES have warned residents at North Stradbroke Island to consider gathering important items in case evacuations were later warranted.
Campers have already been evacuated from Main Beach today after bushfires broke out at Eighteen Mile Swamp, south of Alfred Martin Way earlier today.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said properties were not under direct threat but urged people to be alert.
“If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes,” the spokesperson said.
“People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.”
EARLIER:
FIREFIGHTERS are responding to fire at North Stradbroke Island.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Inspector Damian Thomas said campers had been evacuated from Main Beach, with the blaze somewhere in Eighteen Mile Swamp.
He said the fire was in an inaccessible area and moving south, with aircraft soon to be sent up for an aerial inspection.
Minjerribah Camping issued an emergency alert on Facebook just after 2.30pm warning people people to not enter Main Beach.
QRFS has issued a bushfire notification for Alfred Martin Way at Dunwich, urging residents who believed their property might be under threat to call Triple Zero (000).
The QRFS also cautioned motorists to drive with care and people suffering respiratory conditions to close their windows and doors.
“There is a vegetation fire at this location,” the warning read.
“Smoke may affect residents and motorists in the area. Motorists should use caution and drive to conditions.”
Earlier today, the island was hit by golf ball size hail as storms travelled east.
Authorities have warned all Queenslanders to be vigilant as extreme weather sweeps the state.
Health Minister Steven Miles said people needed to prepare and look out for neighbours and loved ones.
“We have a heatwave gripping large parts of the state, fires in the central regions, dust in the south-east, fallen bats in the north, and high winds and storms for other parts of the state,” he said.
“Experts have advised of very windy conditions in the southern, western and central parts of the state – and combined with hot and dry air, it’s a very serious event.
“I urge all Queenslanders to listen to weather reports, check websites and social media pages for the state’s health and emergency authorities, and be prepared.”
Redlands mayor Karen William urged residents to clear away rubbish and have evacuation and emergency kits ready, with a 24-hour local fire ban in place across the Redlands.
The of lighting of fires in the open are prohibited up until 11.59pm on Wednesday, November 28.
“There is a ban on any open fires and existing fire permits are revoked until the current fire ban notice is formally revoked,” Cr Williams said.
“We know that the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, North Stradbroke Island and mainland areas such as Mt Cotton, Southern Redland Bay, Sheldon and Birkdale are higher risk areas.”
Always dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
