Bushfire destroys home near Biboohra on Atherton Tablelands

UPDATE: Fire and emergency services have confirmed only a single home was destroyed in the blaze on the Tablelands, rather than two as previously reported.

Fire crews are currently battling a fast-moving blaze near the Mt Mulligan Highway at Biboohra.

UPDATE: Fire and emergency services have confirmed a single home was destroyed in the blaze at Biboohra, rather than two as previously reported.

It took 60 firefighters to control the blaze which broke out at the Tablelands community north of Mareeba which broke out at 10am today and spread quickly due to a strong south-easterly wind.

Incident controller, Inspector Shane Jarvis said crews managed to prevent the fires from spreading to the surrounding sheds, but couldn’t save the main structure.

“In terms of damage, I couldn’t even put a figure on it, but there is significant damage to crops in the area, which will have a tremendous impact on people’s livelihoods,” he said.

“During this dangerous bushfire season, we urge anyone to reconsider doing any form of hot work such as welding or grinding, as fire risk will be high for the next few days.”

EARLIER: Two homes have been destroyed by a fast-moving bushfire fuelled by high winds that scorched through a small Tablelands community.

A Watch and Act warning remains in place for residents of Biboohra, just north of Mareeba, with the blaze continuing to burn.

At 4.55pm, the fast-moving fire was burning near the Mulligan Highway, in the vicinity of River Road and Coyle Road to the north of the Biboohra township.

READ MORE: WHERE FIRES ARE BURNING IN FAR NORTH

Tablelands police Insp Rob Campbell confirmed the two homes had been lost and a further six were seriously under threat but were saved by fire crews.

“At the moment they’re trying to main containment lines and we’re putting a chopper up and water bombing it,” he said.

“It’s not a large fire, but it was fast moving.

Fire crews are currently battling a fast-moving blaze near the Mt Mulligan Highway at Biboohra.

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“It moved pretty rapidly because there was quite a stiff breeze around.”

He said the two homes were destroyed around 1pm and 3pm.

Both are rural properties on the outskirts of the community.

Residents of both properties had evacuated beforehand and there were no reports of injuries.

The Mt Mulligan Highway was closed between the Bihoohra Roadhouse and Hodzic Road earlier this afternoon but has since reopened.

For bushfire preparation tips visit the Rural Fire Service website.

Originally published as Bushfire destroys home near Biboohra on Atherton Tablelands