Passing train sparks multiple large grass fires at Oakey

Fire crews have rushed to several large spot fires that were sparked along the train line heading into Toowoomba. The fires appear to be spreading and joining up.

Sparks thrown from a train passing through Oakey are suspected to be responsible for starting multiple grass fires along the Warrego Highway and in North Toowoomba

The first fires were reported about 9.30am on Monday and appear to be spreading and joining up.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said the first fires were reported near the intersection of the Warrego Highway and Devon Park Road, the intersection of 4AK Road and T Moore Road and along Oakey – Kingsthorpe Road.

Five QFES crews are working at the Devon Park Road fire ground. They have knocked down one blaze and are working to contain a second nearby.

Several fires took hold along the rail line between Oakey and Toowoomba on Monday, January 9, 2023. Photo: Mazikeen Kaos

Smoke from the fires has resulted in the Queensland Police Service closing the Warrego Highway.

The spot fires on 4AK Road and Oakey – Kingsthorpe Road have been contained, however two fresh fares have started close to the Toowoomba CBD.

A QFES spokeswoman said a “low-intensity” fire was burning on either side of the rail line near the intersection of Mort Street and Griffith Street.

Queensland Rail was contacted for comment about the rail line fires. Photo: Mazikeen Kaos

There are reports of fires near the Toowoomba CBD. Photo: Mazikeen Kaos

A larger blaze has taken hold near the intersection of Brook Street and Bridge Street.

This second fire is about 10m x 30m inside and is burning close to several structures.

Firefighters arrived at this incident about 11am and had to cut through a fence to gain access.

Queensland Rail Acting Head of Regional Louise Collins said technicians acted swifty to suspend the ballast train which was travelling from Malu to Toowoomba following the ignition of spot fires.

“Upon notification of the spot fires in Toowoomba North the train was immediately suspended at Toowoomba station while Queensland Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene.

“Thankfully, no one has been hurt.

“The fires have since been extinguished and rail traffic has resumed on the line.

“No passenger services were affected, however one third party freight service was impacted.

“Queensland Rail has a strict maintenance regime in place to ensure safe and reliable rollingstock operate on our lines.

“These maintenance activities focus on safety critical and reliability systems.

“Condition monitoring of critical systems is also used in parallel to ensure the fleet is operating at the required standard.

“Investigations as to how the incident occurred are underway.”