Bushfire warning level: ADVICE
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) are managing a bushfire on K’gari (Fraser Island).
You need to keep up to date and decide what actions you will take if the situation changes.
There is a separate warning for Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village – people at the village should refer to this warning.
Currently as at 11.20am Saturday 5 December, a bushfire is burning in several locations.
The fire on the eastern side of the island is burning in the vicinity of Dundonga Fire Break, east of Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, through to Cornwells Road in the south.
Ground crews are being assisted by water bombers and heavy plant equipment to strengthen a fire containment line along Cornwells Road in the south.
The eastern side of the fire is located approximately 3.5 kilometres to the north west of Happy Valley.
Heavy Plant equipment is being used on Old Happy Valley Road and water bombing aircraft continue to work slowing the progression of the fire.
People in the vicinity of Eli Creek, Yidney Rocks, The Oakes and Poyungan Valley should stay informed as the fire continues to burn in inaccessible terrain.
Where ground crews cannot access the inaccessible terrain, waterbombing aircraft are working to reduce the intensity of the fire.
Deteriorating weather conditions are predicated from Sunday through to Wednesday. Smoke will affect visibility and air quality on K’gari (Fraser Island) and adjacent mainland areas over the coming days.
QFES and QPWS in conjunction with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation are working to limit the spread of the fire and minimise environmental and cultural impacts.
Travel to the island remains restricted to local residents, essential service providers and emergency services only.
Residents, campers and visitors already on the island should limit their movements to within close proximity of where they are staying and avoid travelling on the inland tracks and roads.
For a full list of track closures and further information regarding travel restrictions and permit conditions go to www.parks.des.qld.gov.au.
Properties are not under direct threat at this time. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
• If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.
• 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.
• Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
• Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.
• Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.
• Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes.
KEEP UP TO DATE BY:
• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandEmergencyServices) and Twitter (@QldFES)
• Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at https://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland
• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
FURTHER INFORMATION:
• For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety
• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
The next update will be provided when the situation changes.
