Campers forced to evacuate as bushfire engulfs Moreton Island scrub

2 days ago 9

A bushfire burning in dry scrubland along a Moreton Island walking track has forced campers to evacuate, with beachside communities on high alert at the popular tourist destination.

The fire was reported to emergency services just before 10am on Saturday, burning along Telegraph Track, a 16-kilometre walking track carving the northern centre of the island.

The Fire Department issued a warning about the “large fire” shortly before noon on Saturday to residents on the island’s top half, including Cowan Cowan, Bulwer, and Blue Lagoon.

By that afternoon, residents were told to get ready to evacuate.

Fergus Aiden of the Samford Rural Fire Service said crews were focusing on containing hotspots.

“We’ve just got to be conscious of the fact that the winds are changing, we’ve got to make sure our edges are nice and safe,” Samford Rural Fire Service’s Fergus Aiden told Nine News.

He said fire crews were focusing on containing hotspots in the burning area.

The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation said it closed the Telegraph, Tempest, Eagers and Midnight tracks, as well as Blue Lagoon Road, on Saturday.

Anyone camping in affected sections of the national park – which spans most of the island – or in areas that could be cut off from the closures was also evacuated, the department said.

On Sunday morning, about 32 fire crews were still battling the bushfire, while the Fire Department’s prepare-to-leave warning remained in place.

A department spokesperson said the number of firefighters would likely decrease on Sunday, but residents were warned to remain vigilant.

Firefighters are battling the blaze from the sky and land.

Those who choose to leave have been urged to travel on the western side of the island, if possible.

Anyone who must move across the eastern side has been told to use the beach as a road until they reach Middle Road.

If you believe your property is under threat, contact triple zero immediately.

The Fire Department has issued total fire bans across about two dozen local government areas, including a 140,000-square-kilometre area in the state’s far north, the entire south-east, and large swathes of central and south-western Queensland.

The department said hot, dry, and windy weather pushed across from central Australia made the current conditions “perfect for bushfires”, and told residents any open flames – such as camp fires – were strictly prohibited.

Contained fires, such as barbecues and camp stoves, or the use of power tools, are still permitted but should be avoided or strictly monitored.

More to come.