Qld bushfires: AirBnB hosts open homes free of charge for evacuees and emergency services

Free accommodation is available for bushfire evacuees and emergency services in the first venture of its kind in Queensland, with AirBnB hosts opening their homes to those in need at no cost.

FREE accommodation is available for bushfire evacuees and emergency services, with AirBnB hosts opening their homes to those in need at no cost.

In the first move of its type in Queensland, the online portal has opened up a system where hosts can volunteer to offer accomodation to those who need it most during the emergency.

The company covers their insurance and other services but anyone who has been forced out of their home, or emergency workers, stay free.

‘Catastrophic’: Emergency declared, 8000 evacuated

In just the first hour of operation, more than 20 homes have been opened to strangers in need, with many more expected to come.

All hosts within reach of the fire zone - which is covering a growing area of the state - have been contacted and urged to open their homes.

The system has been copied from the US, where AirBnb hosts put up thousands of fire evacuees from their own wild fire disaster.

It had been expected the system would be in place in time for any cyclones this season but it has been fast tracked to help anyone in need from the bushfire crisis.

“The program has been activated along the Queensland coast from Townsville extending down to the Sunshine Coast,” am AirBnB spokesman said.

“Hosts in these areas can provide housing - free of charge - to evacuees and emergency relief workers from now through December 21 2018.

“As the need becomes more apparent, Airbnb will continue to expand the territory of Open Homes listings if and where needed, or as requested by local officials.”

Any fire victim who looking for somewhere to stay, or any owner wishing to offer their property can do so here