Reports of arson near active blazes at Innot Hot Springs, Herberton and Silver Valley

Fire crews are responding to calls that fires are being deliberately lit near active Tablelands blazes that have already destroyed property.

Fire crews are responding to calls that fires are being deliberately lit near active Tablelands blazes that have already destroyed property.

Infernos surrounding towns such as Herberton and Silver Valley have already destroyed properties and are still being battled by more than 30 crews.

But a QFES spokeswoman has said precious resources are now being committed to scenes of suspected arson.

She said the reports had been coming consistently since Thursday.

“We have been getting reports some of these fires are being lit deliberately while active fires are happening,” the spokeswoman said.

Fires have spread through the Silver Valley Road area. Picture: Brian Cassey

“Fire crews and police have not caught them. By the time we get crews there, people have cleared off.

“On Thursday we had extreme fire weather that caused the fires to behave badly for us … crews had to deal with a lot of spotfires.”

Fire crews have evacuated residents at several towns including Watsonville, Innot Hot Springs and Silver Valley.

Blazes engulfed and tore through houses in some of these locations.

Tablelands Shire Council mayor Rod Marti said he was told at a briefing on Friday morning that two dwellings had been lost so far.

“We opened our evacuation centres on Wednesday and Thursday evenings … the second night we had twelve people come. Those people were able to be connected with relatives or found a safe place to stay,” Mr Marti said.

Silver Valley Road resident Mark Biggs fought to save his home from the fires but lost a second dwelling and outbuildings to the fire. Picture: Brian Cassey

Bernie Wilce, the Tablelands’ Division 6 councillor and chairman of its emergency response committee, said the council had also received reports from QFES of unconfirmed arson.

“My concern, which is certainly shared, is the huge front we have, from a small fire, you have to consider those options,” Mr Wilce said.

“It’s a very sad situation if people are doing it, but unfortunately it does happen.

“We are still at stand-up, which is at the top of our level of preparedness.”

A QPS spokeswoman said police would investigate the origin of all fires and will prosecute if their investigations conclude fires were deliberately lit.

“Queensland has begun battling what is sure to be a devastating bushfire season,” the spokeswoman said.

“It is too early in the season to determine if any fires are a result of arson, accidentally lit or ignited from a natural hazard.

“Some of the fires occurred in remote areas where land is largely unattended and therefore not witnessed.

“Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to contact police.”

Originally published as Reports of arson near active blazes at Innot Hot Springs, Herberton and Silver Valley