Julago residents in Townsville warned to prepare to flee bushfire

A bushfire is coming dangerously close to properties in Julago, south of Townsville, with firefighters expected to be battling the blaze overnight.

Bushfire burns through Julago. Picture: Blair Jackson

Firefighters will continue working throughout the night to contain a fire in Julago from damaging properties.

Residents were warned to prepare to leave their houses to escape the Sunday afternoon bushfire, around 4:15pm.

The warning applies to properties on Dawn Street, Sunnyside Street and Coast Road, referencing a fast moving fire near Sunnyside Street.

A spokesman with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) said firefighters were set up behind properties trying to contain it in what was difficult terrain.

According to the QFES website, 12 vehicles have been dispatched to fight the fire.

A bushfire that is burning in the Townsville suburb of Julago on Sunday. Picture: Blair Jackson

Firefighting aircraft were also dispatched, but called back once the sun had set.

“It will likely be a protracted fight, but no properties have been lost,” the QFES spokesman said.

The latest QFES alert, sent out just after 6pm, warns Julago residents to be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.

The fire in Nome on Sunday. Picture: Blair Jackson

A second alert, for Oak Valley, has warned residents in properties between Brady Road and Kavanagh Court, including Chisholm Trail and Glenrowan Drive to ‘stay alert’.

There is no immediate danger to homes in Oak Valley, as of 4:48pm.

The latest information from QFES can be found here.

A section of the fire is burning a few hundred metres from George Chilmaid’s home.

Mr Chilmaid, 83 of Nome, said in his 25 years living there the range at the back of his land had completely burnt three or four times, and this fire at the moment lacked that same intensity.

“We’ve seen it burn up, it’s been bigger then but I don’t know what it’s like over the hill,” Mr Chilmaid said.

He said he would not be particularly nervous Monday night, as he kept a large firebreak and the train line neighboured his property, which was well cleared of vegetation on either side.

Originally published as Julago residents in Townsville warned to prepare to flee bushfire