'Careless' beach campfire sparks major blaze on tourist island during total fire ban
A "careless" and illegal beach campfire sparked the first major bushfire on Queensland's Moreton Island in six years, authorities have said.
Long weekend campers were evacuated to the western side of the tourist island in the state's south-east yesterday as firefighters worked to control the out-of-control blaze.
The bushfire razed around 640 hectares before fire crews could contain it.
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Long weekend campers were evacuated to the western side of the tourist island yesterday. 9News
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) ranger Jay Lessons said around 480 campers are still on Moreton Island.
Around 20 campers were asked to move from the northern edge of the island during the peak of the fire yesterday.
"We still have work to do, but we have the fire where we want it," Lessons said.
"More smoke is expected today, with a wind change coming from north.
"Smoke will be visible on the island and heading to Brisbane."
He warned changing conditions could have a big impact, meaning today's efforts would be crucial in fighting the fire.
"We do have bigger winds coming in tomorrow and through to Tuesday and Wednesday," Lessons added.
"So today's really the day for us to get our backburning operations done while conditions are favourable."
A total fire ban has been in place from Thursday until at least October 7 due to hot and dry conditions in the region.
The last time there was a large major bushfire event on Moreton Island was 2019, Lessons said.
Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) Acting Chief Superintendent Neil Parker said the out-of-control fire began with an unauthorised campfire on the beach.
It sparked a "massive response" from the fire service.
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Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) ranger Jay Lessons said around 480 campers are still on Moreton Island. 9News
The blaze spread over the northern side of the 37-kilometre-long island and needed around 32 firefighters and aerial waterbombing to get it under control yesterday and early today.
Parker warned holidaymakers to avoid lighting unauthorised fires, especially during a total fire ban.
"When careless things like this happen, it has a big impact, particularly on our volunteers who go out all hours of the night to keep our community safe," he said.
"We just need everyone to be vigilant and safe. Use common sense."
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The fire needed dozens of crews on the ground along with waterbombing to contain it. 9News
Parker warned holidaymakers to avoid lighting unauthorised fires, especially during a total fire ban. 9News
Parker said the crews will be battling to keep the bushfire contained for another two days.
"While everyone's watching the football, our crews will be out there making sure the community is safe," he added.
A watch and act warning remains in place for large parts of Moreton Island across areas north of Middle Road, including Cowan Cowan, Bulwer and Blue Lagoon.
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The bushfire could take a few days to be totally extinguished. 9News
"If you are on the western side of the island and you decide to leave, travel only along the beach," Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) said.
"If you are on the eastern side of the island, travel along the beach to Middle Road and then down the beach to Tangalooma Island Resort."
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the bushfire.
Anyone who breaches a total fire ban declaration could face heavy penalties, including large fines.
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