Below is a rolling update on the Straddie bushfire situation.
For more information on the fire visit:
- Redland City Council website – www.redland.qld.gov.au – and Facebook page
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website – www.fire.qld.gov.au – and Facebook page
- Queensland Police website – www.police.qld.gov.au – and Facebook page
- Energex website – www.energex.com.au – and Facebook page.
8.35pm
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UPDATE FROM Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – QFES AT 8.24PM
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are advising residents between Gatombe Street and Beehive Road to leave the area now if the path is clear to do so.
At 8pm a large bushfire was located at east of Myora. The fast moving fire is travelling in a north-westerly direction and is expected to impact the between Gatombe Street and Beehive Road around 9pm.
This fire is moving quickly and is currently uncontrolled. Spot fires are likely to start up to four kilometres ahead of the fire front and embers are also being thrown from the fire.
The fire is expected to impact on the community between Gatombe Street and Beehive Road and some property may be lost. Power, water and mobile phone supplies may be lost in the area over the next several hours.
It will be very hot and windy and as the fire approaches it will become increasingly difficult to breathe.
Residents are strongly advised to leave now if they are able to do so. Leaving is the safest option for survival.
Well prepared and defended homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.
Currently, multiple fire crews are working to contain the blaze but firefighters will not be able to protect every affected property and residents should not expect a firefighter at their door.
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.
Residents who decide to stay and defend their property should consider taking precautionary measures including:
• Put on protective clothing
• Drink lots of water
• Move car/s to a safe location
• Close windows and doors and shut blinds
• Bring pets inside and restrain them (leash, cage or secure room) and provide water
• Wet down fine fuels close to buildings
• Remove garden furniture, doormats and other items
• Seal all gaps under doors and screens
• Fill containers with water – eg bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins, etc
• Have ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside)
• Have generator or petrol pump ready
• Check and patrol outside for embers and extinguish any spot fires and seek shelter as the fire front arrives.
4.10pm
The Straddie Bushfire is contained but not yet under control.
It is extremely likely there will be thick smoke and potential for burning embers near some Dunwich houses when the wind changes later this afternoon to a south-easterly direction. The wind change is now expected at around 6pm.
A ‘Watch and Act’ message is continuing for a small area of the island. Residents in the vicinity of the northside of Mitchell Crescent, Illawong Crescent, Rainbow Crescent, Dickson Way and north to the Seven Mile S-bend at Dunwich have been asked to ensure they finalise their bushfire plans and prepare for a fire that may impact their community, including preparing their houses by removing flammable materials.
These residents have also been advised to be prepared to relocate to a safer area such as voluntarily staying with friends and family if required. Vulnerable community members are also strongly urged to consider their relocation options at this time.
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.
Respite at Dunwich Community Hall
Dunwich Community Hall, corner Ballow Road and Junner Street, Dunwich is open as a short-term respite centre. Parking is available at Ron Stark Oval across from the hall.
Power
The main power supply to North Stradbroke Island has been lost, however about half the island is being powered by Energex generators. Energex is working to restore power. Additional generators are being sent to the island.
Straddie residents and visitors with power are asked to continue to conserve power but keep mobile phones charged. For example, limit the use of washing machines and consider using a BBQ rather than a stove for cooking.
Evacuation Points
If any evacuations are required, evacuation points will be at the following locations.
- Dunwich Community Hall
- Point Lookout Community Hall, East Coast Road, Point Lookout will be the evacuation point for Point Lookout residents and visitors. Parking is available at Point Lookout Oval adjacent to the hall.
- Amity Point Hall, 16 Ballow Road, Amity Point will be the evacuation point for Amity Point residents and visitors.
3.45pm VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:
The WATCH and ACT Message for #StradbrokeIslandupdated: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is advising residents in the vicinity of the northside of Mitchell Crescent, Illawong Crescent, Rainbow Crescent, Dickson Way and north to the Seven Mile Sbend to finalise their bushfire plans and prepare for a fire that may impact their community.
At 3.15pm a large bushfire was located on the south western side of Alfred Martin Way. The large slow-moving fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction, away from the township, but the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has indicated a wind change is now expected around 6pm. This will cause smoke and possibly burning embers to affect Dunwich and the northern parts of the Island.
Residents are advised to be prepared to relocate to a safer area if required. Vulnerable community members are also strongly urged to consider their relocation options at this time.
Updates from today’s bushfire community meeting
2.00pm
QFES say fire service is confident the fire will be contained. They are concerned there will be smoke and burning embers near some Dunwich houses.
These are the streets that have been asked to ensure they have prepared their houses by removing flammable materials. Streets affected are on the north side of Mitchell Crescent, Illawong Crescent, Rainbow Crescent, Dickson Way and North to the Seven Mile S bend. Due to the potential of thick smoke when the wind changes later this afternoon to South Easterly, these people may consider voluntarily relocating with friends and family.
1.36pm
Redland City Council’s Nick Clarke says no problem with Straddie water supply. Dunwich Community Hall has been opened as respite centre for people who feel more comfortable away from home. There is no evacuation at present however.
1.33pm
Energex’s Mike Swanson says whole of Straddie has lost Main Supply power, however about half the island is being powered by Energex generators. This includes Dunwich CBD and aged care centre that have power back on. Southern Moreton Bay Islands have also lost power. Hoping to get power back to rest of Straddie by sunset, extra generators coming over. Those Straddie residents and visitors with power are asked to conserve power, i.e. limit washing machine, consider BBQ rather than using stove, but keep your mobile charged.
1.26pm
QPS Dunwich Officer in charge Peter Twort – Dunwich residents asked to register with emergency services today so they can be easily contacted should they need to be.
1.22pm
QFES public information officer Mark Halverson says fire contained but not under control. Upgrade to watch and act message to small area of island as they are likely to be affected by smoke when wind changes later this afternoon.
12.30pm
WATCH and ACT message for #StradbrokeIsland bushfire: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is advising residents in the vicinity of the northside of Mitchell Crescent, Illawong Crescent, Rainbow Crescent, Dickson Way and north to the Seven Mile Sbend to finalise their bushfire plans and prepare for a fire that may impact their community.
At 12.15pm a large bushfire was located on the south western side of Alfred Martin Way. The large slow-moving fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction however the anticipated wind change is likely to cause it to turn in a north-westerly direction and it may impact the areas of Mitchell Crescent, Illawong Crescent, Rainbow Crescent, Dickson Way and north to the Seven Mile Sbend from 2pm.
Residents are advised to be prepared to relocate to a safer area if required. Vulnerable community members are also strongly urged to consider their relocation options at this time.
If residents do choose to relocate, the Dunwich Community Hall, located on the corner of Ballow Road and Junner Street, is available. Residents who are driving to this location are required to park at the Dunwich Rugby League Football Oval (Stradbroke Sharks). On arrival, residents will be asked to register with the State Emergency Service (SES).
Well prepared and defended homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.
Currently, multiple strike streams are working to contain the blaze but firefighters may not be able to protect every affected property and residents should not expect a firefighter at their door.
SES volunteers are also doorknocking in the area.
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.
11.00am
REDLAND RESIDENTS ASKED TO CONSERVE WATER DUE TO STRADDIE BUSHFIRE
Redland City Council and Seqwater are calling on Redland residents on the mainland and Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) to conserve water supplies this weekend after fires on North Stradbroke Island impacted one of the region’s two Water Treatment Plants.
There is no issue regarding water supplies on North Stradbroke Island and no requirement for residents and visitors to the island to conserve water.
It is only the mainland and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands of Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra, that usually receive water from North Stradbroke Island, that are affected.
Redland City Deputy Mayor Alan Beard said as a precaution, given the forecast temperatures, the community was being asked to help maintain supplies by not using water unnecessarily until the system can again being fully operating.
“Until we can get the system back up and running we are asking the community to put off any unnecessary outdoor watering from gardening to washing cars over the next few days, particularly given the hotter temperatures and the likelihood we will see an increase in consumption and general water use to stay cool,” Cr Beard said.
“This is a precaution only. Any savings on water use over the next couple of days will greatly assist us manage through this period .”
Fires yesterday cut power to the North Stradbroke Island Water Treatment Plant.
While the plant has remained undamaged, fires also swept over the borefields where the plant sources its supply. Seqwater crews this morning are assessing whether the borefields have sustained any damage.
The Redlands mainland and SMBI are currently being supplied water through the Capalaba Water Treatment Plant and supplies from around the water grid via the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector.
@RedlandCouncil residents told to conserve water after fire affects water treatment plant on #Straddie http://t.co/MKyjO3hB2c
— RedlandCityBulletin (@redlandbulletin) January 4, 2014
10.30am
There remains no threat to the Dunwich township.
There are currently no plans to evacuate any densely populated areas of North Stradbroke Island including Dunwich. If the situation changes, houses will be door-knocked.
Fire crews worked through the night to extend containment lines and back-burn across Alfred Martin Way (formerly Tazi Road) down through Enterprise Road in an effort to protect the northern end of the Island. Additional back-burning will continue today.
While there is no current threat to people, residents and visitors on the northern areas of North Stradbroke Island, including Dunwich, as well as those on the Bay Islands, should remain vigilant.
Crews are continuing to work around the Mt Hardgrave area to prepare for the anticipated change in conditions this afternoon. Winds are likely to change to a south-west direction at around 2pm today.
The fire is currently contained and all containments around any habitable areas have been fully established.
Power supply on the island is currently intact. Energex will be making repairs to some damaged infrastructure and generators may be used. At this time, expect an outage of up to two hours with an anticipated commencement of around midday.
If any evacuations are required, evacuation points will be at the following locations.
- Dunwich Community Hall, corner Ballow Road and Junner Street will be the evacuation point for Dunwich residents and visitors. Parking is available at Ron Stark Oval across from the hall.
- Point Lookout Community Hall, East Coast Road, Point Lookout will be the evacuation point for Point Lookout residents and visitors. Parking is available at Point Lookout Oval adjacent to the hall.
- Amity Point Hall, 16 Ballow Road, Amity Point will be the evacuation point for Amity Point residents and visitors.
10.15 am
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police and Redland City Council invite North Stradbroke Island residents and visitors to attend a public meeting where the latest fire information will be provided and questions can be answered.
Meeting time 1pm
Dunwich Community Hall, Corner Ballow Road and Junner Street, Dunwich
9.30am
Advice from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – QFES.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is asking residents located on the northern areas of Stradbroke Island, including Dunwich and the Bay Islands, in particular Russell Island, Lamb Island, Peel Island and Macleay Island to remain vigilant today.
An expected wind change to the south-east from mid-afternoon may cause smoke and potentially burning embers to affect these areas. Crews will continue to patrol the area throughout this time but if residents are concerned their property is under immediate threat they should call triple zero (000). Residents are encouraged to check and patrol the outside of their properties for embers and if possible, extinguish any small spot fires.
Smoke is expected to affect the mainland throughout the afternoon, including Brisbane.
A community meeting for all residents will be held at 1pm at the Dunwich Community Hall, located on the corner of Ballow Road and Junner Street.
Residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:
• Put on protective clothing
• Drink lots of water
• Move car/s to a safe location
• Close windows and doors and shut blinds
• Bring pets inside and restrain them (leash, cage or secure room) and provide water
• Wet down fine fuels close to buildings
• Remove garden furniture, doormats and other items
• Seal all gaps under doors and screens
• Fill containers with water – eg bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins, etc
• Have ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside)
• Have generator or petrol pump ready
• Check and patrol outside for embers and extinguish any spot fires and seek shelter as
the fire front arrives.
Regular updated information will be provided on the QFRS Rural Operations website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or atwww.fire.qld.gov.au or by listening to their local radio station. For information on current bushfire incidents visithttp://
Background:
There are three levels of bushfire warning
Advice: A fire or other emergency has started in the area however there is no immediate threat.
Watch and Act: There is a heightened level of threat, you need to be aware of your situation and take action to be prepared and protect yourself and your family.
Emergency Warning: You are in danger and need to take immediate action recommended by the fire service.
ADVICE message issued for #StradbrokeIsland bushfire. Further info at http://t.co/dD5YPKbdvx
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) January 3, 2014
7.30 am
An update on the current Straddie bushfire situation from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – QFES
#StradbrokeIsland fire update: Crews worked through the night extending containment lines and backburning across Martin Way down through Enterprise Road in an effort to protect the northern end of the Island. They are now continuing to work around the Mt Hardgrave area to prepare for the anticipated change in conditions this afternoon. Thirty crews and air operations will work throughout the day. The fire is currently contained but not under control. A smoke hazard is still affecting the area.
#StradbrokeIsland Fire lines & back burn done on Martin Way down through Enterprise Rd to protect northern end-contained not under control
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) January 3, 2014
