Grain silo in Mackay Harbour on fire, police enforcing exclusion zone

A grain silo has caught on fire at the Mackay Port, with police blocking off roads for hours with a “substantial” exclusion zone.

A grain silo has caught on fire at the Mackay Harbour, sparking an effort to contain the blaze before much is destroyed.

A police spokesman said reports came in at 6.15pm for a fire in a grain silo on George Bell Dr, inside the Mackay Port.

A substantial exclusion zone was enforced out of a precaution, with a police line turning people away.

The exclusion zone included Slade Point Rd between the Harbour Rd roundabout and Gudyara Rd, and Harbour Rd beyond the roundabout.

The spokesman said police “don’t believe there is a large risk” to public safety.

Exclusion zone declared after grain silo catches on fire at Mackay Harbour on January 13, 2025. Picture: Supplied

Residents of Mackay were advised to close their windows and doors as smoke billowed from the silo fire.

The blaze was extinguished by 9.30pm, with fire crews continuing to damp down the site.

A QFD spokeswoman said investigations into the cause of the fire had not yet started, as the emergency teams prioritised ensuring the scene is safe.

Police said all roads surrounding the fire had been reopened and the previously declared exclusion zone had been lifted.

Mackay GrainCorp silo fire. Picture: Paul Brescia

The grain silo is owned by GrainCorp, a company with a Sydney head office.

A spokeswoman from the company confirmed their team on site was safe, with no one injured or impacted by the fire.

“Local emergency services were very quick to respond, and we want to thank the fire brigade and the police department for their actions. We are working directly with them to manage the incident and ensure the continued safety of our staff,” she said.

Originally published as Grain silo in Mackay Harbour on fire, police enforcing exclusion zone