Fireys battle to save home from flames at Machans Beach

Emergency services have rushed to a home on fire in a northern beaches suburb.

Firefighters have fought to extinguish a blaze which destroyed a northern beaches home on Thursday.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said at about 11.45am multiple crews in breathing apparatus’ were working outside the building located on the turn of Christensen St and Barron River Esplanade at Machans Beach to put out the fire and prevent it spreading to adjoining properties.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services firefighters attend a large house fire at Christensen Street, Machans Beach. The blaze was contained quickly, with 6 fire trucks attending the emergency. No one was injured. Picture: Brendan Radke

Six fire trucks attended the incident along with paramedics and police.

Cairns Station Officer Jose Lopez said the house was well alight when they arrived shortly after 11am.

“Initially we had three trucks on scene,” he said.

“On arrival we could see large amount of smoke and flames from the house.

“The property was fully-engaged at the back of the house and it spread towards the front.

“We could not enter the house so our crews fought it from the outside.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services firefighters attend a large house fire at Christensen Street, Machans Beach. Cairns fire station officer Jose Lopez. Picture: Brendan Radke

SO Lopez said it was unknown if there was anyone at the house when the fire started.

He said the age of the property meant there were concerns about the possibly of toxins such as asbestos.

“We had two crews in breathing apparatus outside protect exposure and extinguish the flames,” SO Lopez said.

However, he said the large recreational fishing boat on the property did sustain some fire damage.

Firefighters in action at a house fire in Machans Beach on the Barron River Esplanade, February 2, 2023. Picture: Alison Paterson

There was a significant amount of smoke in the vicinity and QFES is advising people avoid the area, close windows and doors and keep respiratory medications close by if required.

Motorists should drive with caution, they said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services firefighters attend a large house fire at Christensen Street, Machans Beach. The blaze was contained quickly, with 6 fire trucks attending the emergency. No one was injured. Picture: Brendan Radke

Meanwhile, SO Lopez said paramedics were on scene as a precaution.

“No firefighters were injured at this incident,” he said.

“At this stage it is unknown if there was anyone at the house.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services firefighters attend a large house fire at Christensen Street, Machans Beach. The blaze was contained quickly, with 6 fire trucks attending the emergency. No one was injured. Picture: Brendan Radke

SO Lopez said he was unsure if there was a fire alarm at the property.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said officers managed traffic at the incident to allow firefighters clear access to extinguish the fire.

“Investigations into the incident are underway,” she said.

The damage done during a house fire at Machans Beach on the Barron River Esplanade on February 2, 2023. Picture: Alison Paterson

Originally published as Fireys battle to save home from flames at Machans Beach