Wollumbin, Mt Warning shut down by bushfire threat

One of the region’s most popular tourist attractions has been closed indefinitely with bone-dry conditions posing an unacceptable risk for visitors.

ONE of the most popular tourist attractions in the Gold Coast region has been closed indefinitely with bone-dry conditions posing an unacceptable risk for visitors.

The Wollumbin/Mt Warning summit track was shut today in response to the current fire emergency, which has seen a large number of NSW national parks closed until further notice.

A Tweed Council spokesman said Mt Warning Road was closed about two kilometres past the Mt Warning Rainforest Park to stop visitors from entering the Wollumbin National Park, including the walking trails.

All national parks in the Northern Rivers region, including the major attractions of Mebbin National Park and Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, have been closed due to the “high to catastrophic fire risk”, the spokesman said.

The mountain trail, west of Murwillumbah, is a favourite with tourists from across the globe.

Meanwhile authorities are urging locals not to be complacent as fires continue to rage across the region.

A smoke haze is blanketing the city for another day, with Gold Coast and Scenic Rim residents still on high alert.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) spokesman told residents today would bring “slightly more favourable conditions” across the state.

“(But) bushfire conditions will escalate from tomorrow and continue through to at least the weekend,” the spokesman said.

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Authorities say conditions will be “slightly more favourable” today. Picture: Facebook, Queensland Fire and Emergency Service

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“These heightened conditions will remain challenging for our firefighters, and any bushfires that start will be fast-moving and hard to contain.”

A State of Fire Emergency has been issued for 42 local government areas, including the Gold Coast, with fire bans in place.

The ban prohibits the lighting of all types of outdoor fires, along with fireworks, outdoor cooking, welding, grinding and the use of oxy acetylene cutting or heating outdoors.

A blaze still burning at Lower Beechmont, in the hinterland dropped to “advice” level late yesterday afternoon, with residents told to “stay informed”.

It followed earlier instructions to “leave immediately” as conditions worsened.

Firefighters have been using water bombing aircraft and heavy machinery to contain the fire, which is burning in “difficult” terrain to the west of North Rd, Freemans Rd and Outlook Ave.

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Firefighters are tackling blazes across the state. Picture: News Regional Media

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It is travelling in a north easterly direction but is not likely to impact any properties, the QFES spokesman said.

Last night crews were responding to a flare up at the northern end of the fire which was moving towards to the containment line near Freeman’s Rd.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has urged residents to evacuate when they’re told to. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate told residents to heed instructions from authorities, with Wednesday was expected to be particularly bad.

“Our message to Gold Coasters is this – be prepared to leave if you need to. Make sure your documents are uploaded to the clouds, get your valuables in your safe and know where your family members are,” he said.

Cr Tate said the council’s evacuation centre at Nerang would accept residents and their pets after controversy surrounding animals being blocked from some NSW centres.

Originally published as Wollumbin, Mt Warning shut down by bushfire threat