Windermere park fire: Explosion reported before blaze

A fire broke out in a beachside park on Monday night, with witnesses claiming they heard a loud explosion minutes before the flames, and saw people running from the scene. DETAILS, VIDEO, PHOTOS

People reportedly ran from the scene of a fire in a public park on the coast near Bundaberg on Monday night.

Multiple nearby residents captured images and video of the fire after it took off in the beachside park of Windermere Park in the suburb of Innes Park about 7.30-8pm.

Some reported hearing a loud explosion just prior to the flames, which went on to burn through a 100m x 100m area and sent great plumes of smoke into the air and nearby residential area.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services responded to the scene near Rifle Range Beach with six crews battling a blaze described as “the size of a sports oval”.

Part of the burnt out area of Windermere Park on Tuesday morning.

While there was no immediate threat to homes, a children’s playground was metres away from the flames, and homes about 150m away - fire fighters were called to one residence after it became filled with smoke from the blaze.

Flames are believed to have spread through vegetation along a footpath at the park commonly used by dog walkers and seaside visitors. It was fully out by 10pm.

Police also attended and are investigating the cause.

One of the photos posted to social media on Monday night as the fire ripped through a 100m sq area of Windermere Park near Rifle Range Beach. Police fire the Queensland Fire Department are investigating the cause.

Posts on social media claimed people were seen running from the scene after the explosion, getting into cars, and driving away with their lights off.

Theories circulating as to the cause of the blaze include fireworks, flares, or a gas bottle.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact police.