UPDATE FRIDAY 4.15PM:
BACK-BURNING efforts continue at North Stradbroke Island to contain a bushfire sparked by lightning.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said no properties were under threat, but advised Straddie residents to keep up to date with the situation.
The fire had broke out in an inaccessible part of Eighteen Mile Swamp on Wednesday and continued to burn near Blue Lake on the island’s eastern side.
Water-bombing helicopters helping fire containment efforts were refuelling at Cleveland’s Henry Ziegenfusz Park sporting field.
Aerial photos of the bushfire taken on Thursday and Friday show billowing smoke over the island.
Thick smoke was carried by winds across Southern Moreton Bay Islands and the mainland on Thursday afternoon, with the smoke expected to affect surrounding areas today.
If you believe your property is under threat of bushfire, call Triple Zero (000).
UPDATE FRIDAY 10.45AM:
WATER-BOMBING choppers are helping firefighters to strengthen containment lines and generators are being shipped in as a bushfire sparked by lightning at North Stradbroke Island continues to burn.
The bushfire at Eighteen Mile Swamp, which broke out on Wednesday south of Alfred Martin Way, was not threatening properties but residents were urged to keep alert to the situation.
Residents were encouraged to attend a community meeting at Dunwich Community Hall at 3pm on Friday to find out more from authorities.
- Read more: Firies check Mount Cotton and Victoria Point for bushfire after reports of smoke
- Read more: Fire ban extended for Redlands
- Read more: Straddie wildlife struggled to survive fire
A Redland City Council spokesperson said Energex was sending two generators to the island as a precaution in case of power outages, with the generators to be set up at Dunwich and Point Lookout.
The council spokesperson said the fire had broken out in an inaccessible part of Eighteen Mile Swamp, near Blue Lake on the island’s eastern side.
This was the same location as bushfires in 2014, which went onto ravage more than 70 per cent of the island, forcing the evacuation of residents and more than 900 campers and their vehicles.
“Water bombing and backburning are also continuing ahead of anticipated increased temperature and winds across the weekend,” the spokesperson said.
The bushfire has caused large amounts of billowing smoke, which was carried by winds across Southern Moreton Bay Islands and the mainland on Thursday.
Smoke is expected to affect surrounding areas, including nearby islands and the mainland today.
Residents who believed bushfire was threatening their property should contact Triple Zero (000).
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson urged residents and visitors to the island to keep alert and think about what actions might be needed if the fire worsened.
“If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it,” the spokesperson said.
“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.”
People should also think about how to protect pets, find essential items in case of evacuations and check if neighbours needed help.
EARLIER THURSDAY 1.45PM:
CAMPERS have moved out from Main Beach and rangers are checking areas under bushfire threat at North Stradbroke Island for traditional owners.
A Redland City Council spokesperson said the bushfire, burning near Blue Lake at Eighteen Mile Swamp on the island’s east, posed no immediate threats to townships.
Main Beach has been closed south of Alfred Martin Way, with a four-wheel-drive track called Fisherman’s also shut.
The spokesperson urged people on the island to keep alert to safety messages from authorities.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advised people earlier today to plan ahead in case of evacuations.
Back-burning overnight and today on the fire’s western flank had contained the blaze but the situation was ongoing.
“You need to keep up to date and decide what actions you will take if the situation changes,” the spokesperson said.
The council spokesperson said a police chopper had been dispatched to monitor the fire, with more emergency services sent to the island to help.
“Additional resources have been deployed to North Stradbroke Island with crews from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Redland City Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation,” the spokesperson said.
Residents were encouraged to attend a township meeting at Dunwich Community Hall, 6 Ballow Road, from 3pm on Friday for updates.
“There are no immediate threats to townships, however there is significant smoke affecting the area, reducing visibility and air quality,” the spokesperson said.
“All campers have been evacuated from Main Beach and camping bookings for that area have been suspended by Minjerribah Camping.”
A fire ban has been extended for another 24 hours across the Redlands as very high fire dangers threaten south-east Queensland.
The of lighting of fires in the open is prohibited up until 11.59pm on Thursday, November 29, with all permits to light fires previously issued in the Redlands area cancelled.
