Emergency services in Queensland have issued an urgent alert, instructing residents in the path of a dangerous bushfire on North Stradbroke Island to prepare to leave immediately.
Fast-Moving Fire Threatens Dunwich Area
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) escalated its warning shortly before 10pm on Sunday, targeting people in the vicinity of Dunwich Airport. The specific alert zone is the area between Alfred Martin Way and the airport itself.
A large and fast-moving fire is burning near Dunwich Airport and is travelling towards Alfred Martin Way, the department stated. They emphasised that conditions could deteriorate rapidly, despite firefighting efforts to gain control.
In a stark warning, residents were told not to wait for official help to arrive at their door. If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately, the alert instructed. The QFD directed the public to its website for live updates and to the QLD Traffic site for information on road closures.
NSW Reels from Weekend Bushfire Devastation
This fresh emergency in Queensland follows a devastating series of bushfires that tore through New South Wales over the weekend, with the Central Coast particularly hard-hit.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) confirmed significant property losses after assessing the damage from the Nimbin Rd fireground in Koolewong. Their initial assessment found:
- 16 houses destroyed
- 9 houses damaged
- 118 houses untouched
- 7 outbuildings destroyed
It is understood another four homes were lost in Bulahdelah. The RFS cautioned that these figures are provisional and likely to rise as crews return to firegrounds for further assessment on Monday.
Disaster Relief Activated for Affected Communities
In response to the widespread damage, both federal and state governments have activated disaster relief payments for multiple local government areas. The financial support is intended to assist residents with emergency accommodation and essential items.
The activated areas include:
- The Central Coast
- Mid Coast
- Upper Hunter
- Muswellbrook
- Warrumbungle
- Dubbo
The situation remains dynamic, with authorities across both states urging residents to stay informed through official channels and to prioritise their safety above all else.
