A single lightning strike led to mass evacuations and the destruction of an estimated 70 per cent of the bushland on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).
It also led to a strengthening of a community who recognise the vital importance of being prepared.
Over a period of just more than two weeks from 29 December 2013 and into the new year, more than 16,800ha of the island’s bushland was totally gutted by raging bushfires lit by that initial lightning strike.
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Once it was over, as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) officers took to the air to gauge the extent of what they had been facing on the ground, the devastation was breathtaking – tree after tree, for hectare after hectare, reduced to blackened stalks; white sand awash with ash; and once leafy canopies left rusted by the inferno’s heat.
Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Karen Williams said the landscape left behind by one of the largest bushfires in Queensland’s recorded history looked apocalyptic.
“To see that sort of destruction gave you an understanding of the intensity of those blazes and how powerful they were,” said Cr Williams just ahead of the 10th anniversary of the fires.
“The photos and television footage of the hectares of devastated bushland on Minjerribah and of the huge plume of smoke that made its way to the mainland, were heartbreaking to watch.
“It really brought home to me what an incredible job the fire crews did to protect property and lives; and what they continue to do, right across our country, when nature throws such powerful threats at us.
“But the fires also showed us that being prepared is the best way to alleviate the risk to your property, your home and your loved ones.”
Cr Williams said it was never too late to prepare for bushfire season.
“Our memories from the 2013-2014 Minjerribah fires, of course, do fade over time, but our vigilance against such similar threats should never,” she said.
“Already this year we have seen bushfires take hold in just about every state and territory in Australia.
“We have also had several spot fires in our city which thankfully have been brought under control quickly.”
Council encourages residents to keep up to date with local bushfire alerts by visiting the Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard where you also find information on how to prepare your property and family for the bushfire season.
The dashboard is also where you can sign up for the free opt-in emergency messaging service Redlands Coast Alerts. Go to: disaster.redland.qld.gov.au
It is one of the new tools that have come into play since the 2013-2014 bushfires.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell wasn’t a councillor when the bushfires swept through Minjerribah 10 years ago, but he had been a frequent visitor and his thoughts immediately went out to the people he knew on the island, and also for its wildlife.
Cr Mitchell’s division takes in Minjerribah and he has witnessed firsthand how the island community was affected and, in some ways, continues to be affected by the fires.
“The community, I would say, is equal parts stronger, prouder and more united having worked together during an incredibly tough time, but also incredibly anxious and with deep scars, having realised just how vulnerable the island and its population can be,” he said.
“They are determined to be better ready.
“From very early in my term as councillor I was aware that the LDMG and the North Stradbroke Island community had learnt that more preparation was needed.
“The community always responded during disasters, but the great benefit is in planning ahead. More fuel load reduction, pre-placing equipment, working with all the service providers and emergency services groups.
“I am so very proud of Council, the community and all agencies in the standard of preparation and co-ordination I see now. We are a much safer and resilient community.”
A decade on and Minjerribah has turned one of its darkest times into enlightenment – a lesson in the importance of being prepared and the incredible value they now have through building resilience.
North Stradbroke Island bushfire timeline
This is an edited version of the social media updates provided by Council, QFES and Queensland Police during the emergency on Minjerribah over the 2013-2014 holiday period.
The numerous messages issued over the two weeks included multiple links to critical advice on how to stay safe during the crisis, and where to seek further information. The social media posts have been significantly reduced in length where they are reproduced below, but remain a chilling reminder of how quickly the situation can change, and the amazing amount of effort that went in to battling the blazes.
MONDAY 30 December 2013
10.40am
A fire is burning in bushland at North Stradbroke Island (NSI) in the Blue Lake vicinity. QFRS and Council are on the scene and advise there is currently no threat to people or homes. Protection lines have been built around an electrical substation. The fire is thought to have been started by lightning last night. It is expected to burn for 24 to 48 hours in inaccessible areas that do not pose a threat to people or property.
7pm
QFES advises campers on Main Beach to stay at their campsites overnight and do NOT use inland tracks. There is no fire threat to campers who stay where they are. The only threat to people will be to those who venture into fire areas. Multi agency emergency staff including fire and Council officers, under command of QFES, are working to contain the fire. All townships on the island may experience smoke hazard.
TUESDAY 31 December 2013
7.50am
QFES, Council, Redland SES Unit and other officers have had a successful night containing the fire at NSI. Weather conditions are volatile however and conditions could change. Campers at Main Beach should be prepared to leave the campsite today should changes occur.
4.05pm
Approximately 900 campers at Main Beach are being advised they need to evacuate by 4pm tomorrow due to predicted changes in weather conditions over the next two days that may result in increased smoke.
WEDNESDAY 1 January 2014
11am
The self-evacuation of approximately 900 campers from Main Beach due to a slow burning bushfire has begun this morning. The objective is to have NSI, south of the causeway, clear of people by 4pm today which will remain closed until the threat of fire has been reduced. Flinders Beach camp site is over capacity and cannot accommodate any of the displaced campers from Main Beach.
1.30pm
Note that the fire is producing large volumes of smoke which may affect mainland suburbs in the Redlands later today. Crews remain on scene at a large, slow moving vegetation fire on the eastern end of Alfred Martin Way at Blue Lake. The fire, which is currently travelling in a north-easterly direction, is burning within containment lines and poses no threat to people or property. The fire is producing large volumes of smoke, which may affect Redcliffe and the northern suburbs of Brisbane.
THURSDAY 2 January 2014
9.50am
Overnight, Main Beach campsites 1, 2 and 3 were destroyed by fire, showing the movement of campers yesterday has no doubt saved lives. The fire ran 5km in seven hours last night driven by a wind change through the campsites. The fire continues through the swamp and through the other campsites. Containment lines and substantial back burning occurred overnight. There remains no danger to life and property at this time. Fire fighters from as far as Gympie are on NSI preparing to work with Council, government agencies and Sibelco to bring this fire under total control. The fire is far from over though – today’s efforts will be critical.
FRIDAY 3 January 2014
8.50am
The main body of the fire is contained, except for a portion burning in inaccessible land in the Eighteen Mile Swamp area. A small amount of rain overnight appears to have eased the fire, however the temperature and forecast winds may increase fire activity. Observation aircraft will be used today to determine extinguishing strategies. Two other spot fires have broken out on the island. There are four strike teams arriving today and other extra resources which will help strengthen containment lines ahead of the weekend, when conditions are expected to worsen. The fire has burnt out an area of 3500ha and is expected to burn for several days.
5.30pm
Crews will conduct a large back burning operation close to Dunwich this evening. These back burning activities are being conducted to put a buffer between the main fire and the Dunwich community ahead of an expected wind change later tomorrow.
SATURDAY 4 January 2014
7.30am
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. Thirty crews and air operations will work throughout the day. The fire is currently contained but not under control.
9.30am
QFES is asking residents located on the northern areas of NSI, including Dunwich and the Bay Islands, in particular Russell Island, Lamb Island, Peel Island and Macleay Island to remain vigilant. An expected wind change to the south-east from mid-afternoon may cause smoke and potentially burning embers to affect these areas.
10.30am
There are currently no plans to evacuate any densely populated areas of NSI including Dunwich. If the situation changes, houses will be door-knocked.
11am
Council and Seqwater are calling on Redland residents on the mainland and SMBIs to conserve water supplies this weekend after fires on NSI impacted one of the region’s two Water Treatment Plants.
12.30pm
IMPORTANT WATCH and ACT
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 S-bend 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 southwestern side of Alfred Martin Way. The large slow-moving fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction, away from the township, but 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.
1pm
A public meeting is being held at Dunwich Community Hall, for QFES, Queensland Police and Council to provide the latest fire update.
1.33pm
Energex says whole of NSI has lost main supply power, however about half the island is being powered by Energex generators. Southern Moreton Bay Islands have also lost power. Extra generators are being sent to the islands.
1.36pm
Dunwich Community Hall has been opened as short-term respite centre for people who feel more comfortable away from home. There is no evacuation at present however.
4.10pm
The 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.
8.24pm
IMPORTANT LEAVE NOW
Residents between Gatombe Street and Beehive Road should leave the area now if the path is clear to do so. At 8pm a large bushfire was located east of Myora. The fast-moving fire is travelling in a north-westerly direction and is expected to impact the area between Gatombe Street and Beehive Road around 9pm. Some property may be lost. This fire is moving quickly and is currently uncontrolled. Spot fires are likely to start up to 4km ahead of the fire front and embers are also being thrown from the fire. 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.
SUNDAY 5 January 2014
Residents evacuated between Gatumba Street and Beehive Road allowed to return to their homes. Non-essential travel to North Stradbroke is not recommended. Backburning commences to create a buffer zone east of Dunwich.
MONDAY 6 January 2014
7.30am
Backburning last night was successful. The fire is still burning within containment lines. There is no immediate threat to homes or property. NSI residents and holidaymakers can expect up to a five-minute electricity disruption today as Energex crews plan to switch from generators back to mains.
4.30pm
Residents are advised to remain alert but not alarmed as the fight continues to keep control of a massive bushfire which has now burnt for eight days.
5.15pm
Reports of rain on NSI.
5.38pm
Police have revoked the Public Safety Preservation Act and thank the public and media for their assistance during this time.
TUESDAY 7 January 2014
9.10am
Main Beach south of the causeway and Main Beach campgrounds remain closed. The airport and lakes (Blue, Brown, Keyholes) remain closed. There is an open fire ban in place. There have been no injuries or homes lost to the fire, which began on 29 December. QFES are conducting aerial surveillance this morning to see full picture of fire. The rain yesterday afternoon assisted the firefighting effort. Residents and visitors are urged to be careful on the island and follow directions of emergency services personnel.
1.20pm
IMPORTANT WATCH AND ACT
QFES is advising residents in the vicinity of Myora Springs and Gatumba Street to start enacting their bushfire plans and prepare for a bushfire in their area. At 12.30pm a large bushfire was located near Brown Lake and is heading towards the Myora Springs area fanned by 50-60km/hour south-easterly winds. The large, fast moving bushfire is travelling in a north-westerly direction and is expected to impact the area of Myora Springs in the next 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. Residents are strongly advised to be prepared to relocate to a safer area if required. Leaving is the safest option for survival in a bushfire.
3pm
Multiple crews are responding to a bushfire currently burning in inaccessible country in the vicinity of Brown Lake. Crews are monitoring the situation and water bombing aircraft will be utilised.
8.15pm
QFES has cancelled the Watch and Act message for the area around Myora Springs. Fire crews were successful with their efforts to fight the blaze this afternoon and are currently blackening out and mopping up from Myora Springs up to Brown Lake. Crews will continue to monitor the fire throughout the night. Significant helicopter waterbombing was conducted today and is expected to continue tomorrow morning.
WEDNESDAY 8 January 2014
Crews continue efforts to fight a large bushfire in the vicinity of Brown Lake. Fire still producing a large smoke haze. There is renewed hope the situation has been effectively contained.
THURSDAY 9 January 2014
Water bombing targets hotspots at a fire burning in inaccessible country near Yarraman Mine, Brown Lake.
FRIDAY 10 January 2014
All fires now burning within containment lines.
SATURDAY 11 January 2014
Crews remain at multiple fires including a slow-burning fire located near Native Companion Lagoon and a small fire in the vicinity of Brown Lake. No threat to properties.
SUNDAY 12 January 2014
Controlled burn completed in Brown Lake area, and final monitoring and mop up of the bushfire completed.
MONDAY 13 January 2014
Fire crews leave the island. Any further flare-ups monitored by Council and QPWS.
WEDNESDAY 15 January 2014
Council, QFES and Queensland Police hold NSI fire update and feedback sessions on the island. Topics included what to do if you find fire-injured wildlife; emergency planning and new emergency signage; and, “where to from here” for the island community.
