‘Prepare to leave’: Residents on Fraser Island issued urgent warning as bushfire worsens and smoke suffocates those still on the heritage-listed site
- Urgent alert is for Fraser Island blaze amid fears ‘conditions could get worse’
- Residents at Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village are told to ‘prepare to leave’
- Fire continues to burn seven weeks after it was sparked by an illegal campfire
An urgent fire alert has been issued to residents on Fraser Island as a blaze bears down on a resort.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advised residents at Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village to ‘prepare to leave’ on Saturday amid fears ‘conditions could get worse’.
The fire is burning dangerously close to the resort on the world-heritage-listed national park and residents in the area must be ready to follow their bushfire survival plan.
‘If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly,’ QFES said.
An urgent fire alert has been issued to residents on Fraser Island as a blaze bears down on a resort
The blaze is thought to have been started by an illegal campfire on October 14
QFES said the fire was around Dundonga Creek, east of Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, through to Cornwells Road in the south, at about 9.15am.
There are firefighters battling the blaze on the ground, who will be supported by a waterbombing aircraft.
‘Multiple fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property,’ QFES warned.
‘You should not expect a firefighter at your door.’
Those in the area have also been warned of smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
A separate fire warning for the remainder of Fraser Island remains.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advised residents at Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village to ‘prepare to leave’ on Saturday amid fears ‘conditions could get worse’. Pictured: Fraser Island is seen on November 30
Smoke rises as the fire continues to engulf Fraser Island on Tuesday (pictured)
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the response to the blaze will be reviewed, after it destroyed more than half the island.
The fire continues to burn seven weeks after it was sparked by an illegal campfire, which continues to be investigated.
‘The sight of it burning is so painful,’ Ms Palaszczuk told parliament on Wednesday.
‘It’s understandable that those who love the island want to be assured that everything that could be done to protect it has and is being done.
‘That is why I can confirm the inspector-general emergency management has been instructed to conduct a full review.
There are firefighters battling the blaze on the ground, who will be supported by a waterbombing aircraft
‘He will examine all aspects of preparedness and response.’
QFES took over management of the fire from the national park’s ranger service last Friday.
It immediately ordered tourists to stay away from the island, closing access to all except residents and essential workers.
Visitors already on the island have been told to stay close to campsites and avoid inland tracks and roads.
Fraser Island – also named K’gari – is about 250km north of Brisbane and is the world’s largest sand island at 123km long.
Fraser Island – also named K’gari – is about 250km north of Brisbane and is the world’s largest sand island at 123km long. Pictured: Two visitors enjoy the island before the bushfires
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