UPDATE 5PM:
A change in wind direction has caused heavy smoke from North Stradbroke Island to blow over the mainland.
A Redland City Council spokesperson said the smoke was affecting suburbs including Sheldon, Mount Cotton and Victoria Point and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
“The smoke is very thick in some areas giving the impression that a fire is nearby, but with gusty prevailing winds, it is blowing over from North Stradbroke Island,” the spokesperson said.
“Residents who see a fire should report it to Triple Zero (000) but please be aware that heavy smoke is drifting from North Stradbroke Island.”
A lightning strike, delivered by hail-bearing storms travelling east about noon on Wednesday, is understood to have ignited the bushfire at North Stradbroke Island’s Eighteen Mile Swamp.
The blaze, which was south of Alfred Martin Way at Dunwich near Blue Lake, was contained by firefighters overnight.
A Redland City Council spokesperson said the bushfire posed no immediate threats to townships.
Campers were moved out from Main Beach and rangers had been checking areas under bushfire threat for traditional owners.
Main Beach was closed south of Alfred Martin Way, with a four-wheel-drive track called Fisherman’s also shut.
Back-burning overnight and today on the fire’s western flank had contained the blaze but the situation was ongoing, with about 16 firefighting crew there about 3pm on Thursday.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advised people at North Stradbroke Island to plan ahead in case of evacuations.
“You need to keep up to date and decide what actions you will take if the situation changes,” the spokesperson said.
Straddie 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.
Tips to protect your health during hot, smoky conditions
– Limit your physical activity outdoors
– Keep windows and doors closed when indoors
– Switch air conditioner to recycle or re-circulate
– Visit an air-conditioned shopping centre or library if your home becomes too hot
– Have at least seven days’ worth of medication available and follow medical guidance if your are asthmatic or have a respiratory or heart condition
– Seek medical advice immediately if you have troubles breathing or chest problems
– Seek alternative accommodation away from smoke, such as with friends or family, if sensitive to smoke
EARLIER:
FIREFIGHTERS have checked Mount Cotton and Victoria Point for bushfire after receiving reports about smoke in the area.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said there were no bushfires on Redlands’ mainland, however residents were urged to keep alert.
Anyone who believed an unattended fire was causing smoke should contact Triple Zero (000).
A bushfire at North Stradbroke Island’s Eighteen Mile Swamp, which was ignited by lightning about noon on Wednesday, had continued to cause large amounts of billowing smoke.
The spokesperson said 16 crews remained on scene.
Residents and visitors could keep alert to bushfires in the area by visiting social media pages run by QFES, including the service’s Facebook page.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson reminded Redland City residents to visit redlandsdisasterplan.com.au for more information about what to do in emergencies.
“Bayside police would like to remind community members to be aware of the local resources available, ensuring you and your family are safe for not only the current bushfires but all future natural disasters,” the spokesperson said.
“Remember, the best way to protect your family through natural disasters and weather conditions is to be prepared.”
