Cathedrals evacuated as huge fire rips through Fraser Island

Warnings over a large fire on Queensland’s Fraser Island have been downgraded as fire crews try to keep it under control following the evacuation of a camping area. SEE THE LATEST ADVICE.

Warnings for a bushfire burning on Queensland’s Fraser Island have been downgraded to the advice level, as firefighters work to keep the blaze under control.

It comes after campers, holiday-makers and residents in Fraser Island’s Cathedrals area were evacuated as a “dangerous” bushfire tears through the popular tourist island.

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The blaze has been burning since October 14 and was allegedly started by an illegal campfire, according to the Department of Environment and Science.

According to most recent updates, a large bushfire near Lake Bowarrady is travelling south towards Happy Valley.

“People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality,” current warnings state.

“Properties are not under direct threat at this time.”

Philip Pawsey was camping on Fraser Island when he was advised by Queensland Police to leave the area due to an approaching fire on Friday night. Picture: Facebook/Philip Pawsey

As a precaution, guests at the Cathedrals on Fraser campsite were evacuated and anyone due to arrive today has been contacted, a Facebook post by Cathedrals said.

A Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said the fire was “currently not a threat to life or property and it has not damaged any infrastructure”.

Rural fire crews and Queensland Parks and Wildlife were fighting the blaze, which has moved 40km across the island since it was sparked.

Those remaining in the area are urged to monitor local radio and prepare to act on fire plans

The fire on Friday night. Picture: Facebook/Philip Pawsey

The fire on Friday night. Picture: Facebook/Philip Pawsey

“If you do not have a plan, your safest option is to leave now if it is clear to do so. If you are not in the area, do not return, as conditions are too dangerous,” QFES said in a statement.

“The fire could have a significant impact on the community.”

To date, the fire has forced the evacuation of 10 camping zones and a standalone ranger station along the northern end of the island.

Emma Eliot took this shot from her house in River Heads on Fraser Island. Picture: Emma Eliott/Facebook

Rural Fire Service Maryborough area director Michael Koch warned the fire was unlikely to be contained and extinguished until a large amount of rainfall hits the region, noting the fire had been “particularly challenging” to fight over the past month.

“The fire’s been burning for over four weeks and it’s burned out a fair bit of the northern section of the island,” Mr Koch told the ABC.

“Managing this fire’s particularly challenging where it is at the moment, we will need to get some decent rains to help us contain the fire.”

The fire burning on Fraser Island. Picture: Supplied

Authorities were hoping to bring in a water-bombing helicopter on Saturday to help, but a QFES spokesman confirmed that the call is up to Queensland Parks and Wildlife, with QFES and the Rural Fire Brigade only assisting with the operation.

People on the island have reported “orange skies” and “thick smoke” in a number of Facebook posts about the “devastating fire”.

Others have reported “smoke and ash” in the air.

Clouds of smoke on Fraser Island. Picture: Marea Turville/Facebook

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service issued a wildfire alert on Friday, saying that mitigation activities were underway.

They said the following roads and camping areas were temporarily closed until conditions were considered safe: Bowal, Awinya, Bowarrady, Woralie, Coongul and Moon Point camping areas; Beach Camping Zones 9 (Diray and Carree), 6 (Eugarie, Yurru and Guruman) and 7 (Wyuna and Burad); Dundubara camping area; Platypus Bay, Awinya and Woralie Roads; Bullock Road and Northern Scenic Drive north of Moon Point Road; Lake Allom day use area; and Wungul / Bowarrady walking tracks.

Smoke on the beach at Fraser Island. Picture: Tanya Bennett

Queensland Parks and Wildlife services have also issued a smoke alert for Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove, Sunshine Coast and Bribie Island areas.

“Smoke can decrease visibility on the roads, so it is important that motorist drive safely to the conditions,” a statement said.

People in those areas are advised to close windows and doors and keep medications close by if suffering from a respiratory illness.

Investigations are continuing into finding the people allegedly responsible for starting the illegal campfire, which comes with a fine of more than $22,000.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.

• If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.

• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes.

• Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.

• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.

• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.

• Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.

• Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.

• Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes.

Call triple-0 (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.

For more information, on campgrounds and roads, please visit: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts