Wildfire Emergency Warning Issued for Fraser Island Residents

A wildfire emergency warning was issued for Australia’s Fraser Island and residents were urged “to leave immediately”.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services say a large fire is traveling southeast toward Happy Valley Township and is expected to “strike around 4pm.”

“The fire is expected to have a significant impact on the community,” the emergency warning said.

“Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters will soon be unable to stop the fire from advancing.”

It comes just hours after residents were warned to prepare to leave, as worsening conditions threaten a major resort town.

The Fraser Island fire has been burning for more than seven weeks and swept through at least 50 percent of the World Heritage site.

There are now four active warnings for the island.

A wildfire broke out approximately 3.5 km northwest of Happy Valley at 10.15am Sunday, and conditions are expected to worsen.

“People in the vicinity of Happy Valley [when asked to leave] it should leave the area towards Eastern Beach and head south towards Eurong, “QFES said in a statement.

“The wildfire travels southeast toward Lake Yidney, between Moon Point Road and Old Happy Valley Road. The fire could affect Happy Valley Village.”

Fire crews are working to contain the fire, but scorching temperatures and northerly winds are wreaking havoc, and the smoke haze reduces visibility.

The last update on the Kingfisher Bay fire front was at 5 p.m. Saturday, with the remaining residents reporting that water bombers were on their way to assist firefighters on the ground.

Another wildfire is burning near Austin Road in Mount Mee, 90 minutes northwest of Brisbane.

QFES says the fire “does not pose a threat to property,” and firefighters are working to control the fire.

“Nearby residents may be affected by smoke. Residents are asked to close windows and doors and, if they have a respiratory condition, to keep medications close by,” QFES said in a statement issued at 8:30 am. Sunday.