Preparations for the highly anticipated second Ashes Test were briefly disrupted on Wednesday afternoon when a fire alarm prompted the evacuation of The Gabba in Brisbane.
Sudden Evacuation on Vulture Street
Concerning scenes unfolded outside the famous Queensland cricket ground as journalists, broadcast crews, and stadium staff spilled out onto Vulture Street. The evacuation was ordered after a fire alarm sounded within the stadium, leading to a swift response from emergency services.
Fire crews from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) attended the scene promptly to investigate the source of the alarm. The incident occurred just a day before England and Australia were set to resume their historic rivalry in the Test series.
Cause Confirmed as Kitchen Smoke Detector
Stadiums Queensland later confirmed to reporters that the evacuation was triggered after a smoke detector located in an outdoor kitchen area was activated. The alert was treated with full seriousness, following all standard safety protocols.
Earlier in the day, both the English and Australian squads had completed their net sessions at the ground. Notably, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins was spotted alongside star batsman Steve Smith and coach Andrew McDonald, inspecting the pitch on the outfield. Cummins' presence fueled speculation about a potential late inclusion in the team for the crucial match.
Swift Return to Normal Operations
Once the QFES crews completed their inspection and gave the all-clear, staff and media members were permitted to re-enter the building. Operations at the stadium resumed without further delay.
A spokesperson for Stadiums Queensland provided a statement on the incident: ‘The Gabba was briefly evacuated this afternoon after a smoke detector outside a kitchen was activated. QFES attended per normal protocols. The activated location was inspected by QFES and the venue was cleared to return to normal operation.’
The quick resolution ensured that final preparations for the Ashes Test could continue uninterrupted, with all attention now firmly fixed on the first ball scheduled for Thursday.
