Residents told to ‘close doors’ after equipment fire breaks out on Hume Street

Ratepayers will be stuck with a six figure bill after an overnight West Mackay fire on council property which may have been deliberately lit.

The fire on Hume Street, West Mackay broke out last night spreading fumes into neighbouring residential areas (Photo: Gasser Dion)

A fire which destroyed a Mackay walkway may have been deliberately lit, with council estimating it could cost upwards of $100,000 to fix.

The fire started just before midnight near Hume St in West Mackay and gutted part of the Bluewater Trail.

The plumes of smoke sparked warnings from the Queensland Fire Department for residents to keep windows and doors closed.

Local residents were told to keep windows and doors closed as toxic fumes spread around the area

Luke Williams, Mackay Regional Council executive manager for parks and open spaces said council was extremely disappointed, and repairs are likely to cost more than $100,000.

“This section of the trail will now need to remain closed to ensure the necessary restoration work can be completed,” Mr Williams said.

According to a statement provided from council, initial investigations show the fire may have been deliberately lit.

A QFD spokesman said the fire came from equipment on a walkway, but was not able to specify what the machinery was.

Fire crews left the scene around 11.30am after containing the fire, but smoke was expected to affect the surrounding areas for several hours into the morning.

It is believed a walkway caught fire spreading into the mangroves with QFD containing the blaze before midnight.