Bruce Highway delays at Farleigh as fire crews battle blaze

Two separates fires are now under control near Farleigh after six fire crews were sent to control the blaze while police officers closed the highway. DETAILS, NEW PHOTOS

Two separates fires are now under control near Farleigh after six fire crews were sent to control the blaze while police officers closed the highway.

Mackay emergency services have leapt into action following reports of separate fires at Farleigh resulting in the Bruce Highway being blocked in both directions as fire crews battled the blaze.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said three crews were initially called to two separate grass fires at the corner of the Bruce Highway and Miclere Farleigh Rd at 12.15pm.

Three additional crews were sent to help control the fire, which was contained as of 1:30pm.

No one was evacuated as a result of the fires.

Emergency services were sent to two seperate fires in Farleigh near the Bruce Highway on October 27. Picture: Janessa Ekert

Police were called in to help with traffic control and the highway was closed in both directions.

A Queensland Police Services spokeswoman said a traffic diversion was put in place starting at Shidlow St, along Sugar Shed rd.

The QFES spokesman said there were structures around the fires but no immediate threat.

It is understood the highway will reopen soon.

FIREFIGHTERS FOCUS ON SAVING TELCO TOWER AT MT ISA

Earlier on Friday, residents in the vicinity of a bushfire burning near Mount Isa were told to ‘leave immediately’, with QFES issuing an alert just before 5am for people around Lake Moondarra Rd, Barramundi Way, The Junction and the tracks and parks around Lake Moondarra.

Lake Moondarra provides water to Mount Isa and is a popular recreation spot.

There was also a “prepare to leave” for Breakaway, near Mount Isa.

@codiarena2 Queensland outback at our camp-site #bushfire#mountisa#qldfires♬ original sound - codiarena

Mount Isa firefighter said they would focus efforts on protecting a telecommunications tower.

The local disaster chairman, deputy mayor Phil Barwick, said fires had been contained but that firefighters were wary of increased wind conditions.

Cr Barwick said there were still concerns about protecting “Telstra Hill” about 10km east of the mining city at Breakaway, near where one of the fires had started due to the sparks of a flat horse float wheel. A grader was being used to clear the ground to prevent the fire from spreading.

These warnings come as a woman whose body was found in the fire-stricken Western Downs region has been identified as NSW great grandmother Glenda Chapman.

The 73-year-old, who had been visiting relatives in the Tara region, is believed to have suffered a heart attack while attempting to evacuate.

More to come.