Jane Strong killed in horror Upper Brookfield caravan fire

Tributes are flowing for a 26-year-old woman who perished in a caravan fire at a property in Brisbane’s west.

A young mother and her friend have died in a caravan fire at the Upper Brookfield property of a well-known local family as her partner tried to help.

Jane Strong, 26, from Rosedale, north of Bundaberg, and a 22-year-old Lowmead man died in the blaze in the early hours of Saturday morning.

It is understood Carl Weiss — the woman’s partner — suffered burns when he tried to help.

The couple have a baby girl, who was born last year.

Jane Strong died in a horror caravan fire at Upper Brookfield. She is pictured with her partner Carl Weiss, who suffered burns trying to help as the blaze took hold.

Jane Strong and Carl Weiss with their baby.

Ms Strong is being remembered online as an “amazing” person.

In a moving tributes, friend Ryan Brazulatis posted on social media: “RIP Janey, always remember the times together we had ... never forget the times we shared together being best friends for years. Sorry (I) didn’t get to see you one last time. RIP fly high.”

Another friend, Bryson Godde, said: “such an amazing person taken way too soon”.

A crime scene has been declared at the property as investigations get under way. Picture: 9 News

Mr Weiss’ father Eric, who passed away last year, was well-known in Upper Brookfield and regularly volunteered behind the bar at the Upper Brookfield Community Hall.

The hall’s bar is named “Eric’s Bar” in his memory.

“Happy Valentine’s Day Jane Strong. You are the best thing that ever happened to me,” Mr Weiss wrote to his partner before they became parents.

Two people died in the caravan fire at Upper Brookfield. Picture: 9 News

Police said they were still trying to piece together how a blaze broke out in a caravan on a semirural property where a group of people were staying.

Brisbane region Inspector Karl Hahne said a group of adults and children were staying at the 18ha property - the same weekend as the popular Brookfield Show - when a fire broke out at 4.30am.

“Queensland Fire and Rescue Service received a call in relation to a structural fire here on Galvin Rd at Upper Brookfield,” he said.

“They responded and there was a structure well alight. Unfortunately, after the fire was extinguished, we located two deceased persons.”

He said another man was taken to hospital with burns to his hands, the back of his neck and his shoulders.

“That person is in a stable condition at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

“Investigations are early at this stage (but) what I can say is that the burns are consistent with trying to escape the fire or potentially trying to alert people to the fire.”

Insp Hahne said he was not able to confirm exactly how many people were staying at the Galvin Rd property, which he described as a series of structures including sheds and shipping containers.

He said a number of children were at the property at the time but none were involved in the fire.

The blaze broke out in a caravan that was underneath a semipermanent structure with a tin roof, he said.

The caravan was completely destroyed by the fire. Picture: 9 News

“The fire seems to have occurred in the structure which may have been a caravan,” Insp Hahne said.

“Our scenes of crime officers and our forensic officers are currently at the scene with (detectives) and they will be interviewing everybody who was at the property overnight - and obviously those versions will paint the picture of what happened.”

The fire is not believed to have been suspicious.

“These scenes are always confronting and any loss of life is sad,” Insp Hanhe said.

“To lose two people in this way, it’s a very sad day.”

Two people have died in a caravan fire at Upper Brookfield. Picture: 9 News

QFES Acting Superintendent Tim Burchmann said crews from Pullenvale, Taringa, Mount Ommaney and Roma St rushed to put out the fire, as well as rural fire fighters from Upper Brookfield.

“The structure was fully involved, so fire coming out all sides of the structure … our crews went into action immediately with on-board water supply to attack that fire and to undertake life rescue,” he said.

“It is a rural property, so there are a number of dwellings on the top of the hill where this fire has occurred.”

Inspector Karl Hahne from Queensland Police. Picture: Richard Walker

Tim Burchmann from Queensland Fire and Emergency Service. Picture: Richard Walker

Brookfield show president Dan Petrie said it was a sad day for the community, with the accident occurring on a day that is usually a celebration for locals.

“At the moment we’re just trying to support the community. It is going to be obviously a very challenging and tough day for the family,” he said.

“ ... the community is rallying behind them.

“What we’re trying to do is ensure that the show obviously goes on, but it was obviously quite shocking to wake up to this morning, and the community wants to support our people.”

Queensland Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services at the scene of the fatal structure fire. Picture: Richard Walker