Vegetation fire causes traffic disruptions on Mulligan Highway from thick smoke

A vegetation fire burning on both sides of the Mulligan Highway in the Tablelands has significantly reducing visibility for traffic in both directions. Proceed with caution.

A vegetation fire burning on both sides of the Mulligan Highway in the Tablelands on Wednesday produced thick, black smoke, significantly reducing visibility for traffic in both directions.

A vegetation fire burning on both sides of the Mulligan Highway in the Tablelands on Wednesday produced thick, black smoke, significantly reducing visibility for traffic in both directions.

As of 2.30am Thursday morning, November 7, Transport and Main Roads advised all lanes were still affected in both directions and to proceed with caution.

The fire was originally reported by a local resident around 2:45 PM on November 6 in the Desailly area, near Hurricane Road.

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) dispatched one crew to the scene to assess and manage the situation.

“We dispatched one crew to the location,” a QFD spokeswoman said.

“Visibility was really poor, there was thick smoke caused by the fire, which was burning on both sides of the highway.”

However, emergency services confirmed there was no immediate threat to property or residents.

QLD Traffic for FNQ has advised all lanes affected along the Mulligan Highway in Desailly, due to a vegetation fire. Picture: Supplied.

The spokeswoman for QFD said smoke hazard signs were placed along the major highway to alert drivers of low visibility and to proceed with caution.

By 5.30pm on Wednesday, QFD reported visibility had improved, and the situation was deemed manageable.

With no emergency crews were actively on the scene at that time, but the situation was still being assessed.

“The fire looks to still be burning, however, there are no crews on scene and we are continuing to monitor the fire,” she said.

Motorists are advised to remain cautious when travelling through the area, as conditions may change, and smoke could still affect visibility in certain spots.

Originally published as Vegetation fire causes traffic disruptions on Mulligan Highway from thick smoke