Firefighters battle ongoing bushfire near the small rural town of Forsayth in Queensland

Firefighters have controlled a large bushfire that has been burning for more than a week, consuming upwards of 64,000 hectares of bushland and threatening the remote town of Forsayth in Far North Queensland.

A Strike team of six trucks and 10 personnel have left Townsville to support crews who have been working to contain a fire burning between Einasleigh and Forsayth. Picture: Queensland Fire Department.

Firefighters have controlled a large bushfire that has been burning for more than a week, consuming upwards of 64,000 hectares of bushland and threatening the remote town of Forsayth in Far North Queensland.

Emergency crews have been worked around the clock to contain the blaze.

Over 50 personnel have been fighting the blaze since it broke out on November 6, including a dozen from strike forces from other areas of the state and fire bombing aircrews.

Crews have now extinguished the front that was headed towards Forsayth.

Pictures taken from aircraft working the Forsayth fires near Einasleigh.

“We have stopped air operations and our crews on the ground are conducting patrols mopping up basically,” a Queensland Fire Department spokesman said.

The fire, which began on November 6 in Einasleigh — about 200 km inland from the coast — has steadily moved westward toward the small town of around 80 residents.

As of Tuesday afternoon, November 12, the blaze was just 4km from the township, prompting authorities to issue an updated “Stay Alert” warning for those in the area on Wednesday morning.

Mayor of Etheridge Shire Council, located in Georgetown southwest of Cairns, confirmed on Monday a home had been destroyed in the large blaze, which had been burning on two fronts.

Across the week, multiple QFD aircraft have been deployed to battle the flames, with six aircraft — including two firebombers and two helicopters — working together to carry out water bombing “runs and aerial reconnaissance”.

“It’s a very complex system, it’s like a ballet,” the QFD spokesman said.

Thermal imaging is also used in the aircraft flying over the fire, to not only monitor the heat of the fire but to also help direct efforts on the ground.

Pictures taken from aircraft working the Forsayth fires near Einasleigh.

An avoid smoke warning is still current for the Forsayth and Georgetown area.

Residents are advised to stay inside and close doors, keep respiratory medicine close by, avoid driving through smoke where possible and watch out for firefighters working in the area.

Since November 1, Queensland has faced over 500 bushfires, resulting in more than 1000 crew turnouts, 10,000 hours from RFSQ personnel, and 3,000 hours from QFR personnel.

Pictures taken from aircraft working the Forsayth fires near Einasleigh.

EARLIER

On Wednesday a spokesman for Queensland Fire Department said there was still a significant firefighting presence at the Forsayth blaze, but authorities continued to warn the public to stay informed and prepare for any escalation in the fire’s path.

“Residents of Forsayth and surrounding areas are urged to stay updated on the situation through official channels, including the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and listen to the radio for live updates,” he said.

Since November 1, Queensland has experienced over 500 bushfires which has led to more than 1,000 turn outs from our crews and more than 10,000 RFSQ personnel hours and 3,000 QFR personnel hours. Image of Forsayth. Picture: Supplied.

Black smoke billows up from the fire burning in Einasleigh as it heads westward towards Forsayth. Picture: QFD.

Scorched ground after a fire had passed through on Monday, November 11. Picture: Queensland Fire Department.

QFD confirmed fire crews on the ground had been reinforcing fire tracks to prevent the blaze from spreading towards the town of Forsayth, but the situation remains tense.

“Rural Fire Service crews from across the region are working tirelessly on the fire lines,” the QFD spokesman said.

Ground grew work with ariel crew to contain the blaze which has been burning for more than a week. Picture: Queensland Fire Department.

The updated warning issued on Wednesday morning was between Forsayth airport and Stockman Creek Road, including Forsayth township, Einasleigh Road and Curralle Station. File image. Picture: Queensland Fire Department.

QFD confirmed fire crews on the ground had been reinforcing fire tracks to prevent the blaze from spreading towards the town of Forsayth, but the situation remains tense.

“Rural Fire Service crews from across the region are working tirelessly on the fire lines,” the QFD spokesman said.

Mayor Barry Hughes said crews from multiple government organisations were on the ground fighting the bushfire that had burned a wide swath about 70-kilometres long in “challenging conditions”.

Firefighters are hopeful they can keep the blaze at bay for now, but are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Originally published as Firefighters battle ongoing bushfire near the small rural town of Forsayth in Queensland