Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is advising residents in the vicinity of Tim Sheas Wetland Reserve, Macleay Island to enact their bushfire plan.
At 3.40pm Friday 18 November a large bushfire was located at Tim Sheas Wetland Reserve, Macleay Island. The large fire is travelling in a westerly direction and is expected to impact the areas of Charles Terrace, Michiko Street, Squire Street, Lemontree Drive, Sandpiper Parade, Dove Street and Brolga Street, Tim Sheas Wetland Reserve, Macleay Island within two hours.
This fire is moving quickly and firefighters are experiencing difficulty in controlling it. Spot fires may occur ahead of the fire front and embers are also being thrown from the fire.
The fire is expected to impact on the Macleay Island community and there is a chance that 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 may become increasingly difficult to see, hear or breathe.
Residents are strongly advised to leave now if their plan is to do so or if they don’t have a plan. Leaving is the safest option for survival.
Well prepared and defended homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.
Currently, five fire crews are working with aerial support 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 should consider taking precautionary measures including:
-Putting on protective clothing;
-Drinking lots of water;
-Moving car/s to a safe location;
-Closing windows and doors and shutting blinds;
-Bringing pets inside, restraining them (leash, cage or secure room) and providing water;
-Wetting down fine fuels close to buildings;
-Removing garden furniture, doormats and other items;
-Sealing all gaps under doors and screens;
-Filling containers with water – eg bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins;
-Having ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside);
-Having a generator or petrol powered pump ready; and
-Checking and patrolling outside for embers, extinguishing any spot fires and seeking shelter as the fire front arrives.
Regular updated information will be provided on the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFS) website at or listen to local radio.
For information on current bushfire incidents visit