Campers have been evacuated from Moreton Island and residents in the island’s north have been told to prepare to leave as a large, out-of-control bushfire continues to burn.
The blaze broke out in dense national parkland near the Bush Camping Track. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed that people in the immediate path of the fire were moved to safety.
Fixed-wing water bombers and helicopters are battling the flames in rugged terrain, while Queensland Fire Service crews have gathered along nearby beaches. Although no homes are currently under threat, a Watch and Act warning has been issued for the northern half of the island, including the townships of Cowan Cowan and Bulwer.
Authorities warn the situation could deteriorate quickly. Smoke is blanketing much of the island, and residents have been urged to close doors and windows and keep medication close if they suffer from respiratory illness. Several access routes, including Blue Lagoon Road, have been closed.
Elsewhere in Queensland, a Watch and Act warning is in place near Nearum in the Bundaberg region, where crews are fighting a fast-moving fire between Grass Tree Road and Nearum Road. Some properties are already at risk, and officials warn burning embers could spread to others in the coming hours.
On the Western Downs, firefighters are also working to contain a large blaze near Lucky Road in Tara. Authorities have issued a Prepare to Leave notice for residents in an area stretching between Chinchilla Tara Road, Happiness Road, Upper Humbug Road and Mary Road.
Emergency services continue to urge people in affected areas to stay alert and be ready to leave if directed.
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