We were putting out the flames with a Bunnings backpack
We were putting out the flames with a Bunnings backpack
21 August 2017
published by https://www.dailymercury.com.au
Australia – A Hydeaway Bay woman has told how she and her partner fought a bushfire with “a Bunnings poison backpack filled with water” as it tore through their property overnight.
Zoe Willcocks said the fire broke out about 1pm on Sunday close to her Hydeaway Bay Drive property.
“We had the fire tear through our property and the neighbours’ about 1pm, while the fire crew didn’t arrive til about 3-4pm,” Ms Willcocks said.
“It was me and my partner and about four locals controlling it for hours and hours and the back pack (in the photos) is just a Bunnings poison backpack that they filled with water instead.”
Zoe said the fire started about five blocks up from the park, and quickly spread through the back of her block and over the road.
“We had cars piled up out the front as they could not pass from the blaze tearing over the road,” she said.
“Our neighbour is away working but lost a few things around his house but not the house itself.
“With the four or so locals’ help we managed to keep it from our place and just in time the fire crew (arrived).”
Zoe and her partner Nathan spent the night driving past to check where the fire was and “everyone went home to watch their own houses”.
Her parents in the Hydeaway Bay Caravan Park were “up until 2am watching for any embers jumping into the park”.
Zoe Willcocks snapped the photos above as she and her neighbours worked to extinguish the blaze that broke out Sunday afternoon.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said their crews were undertaking backburning operations in the area.
“Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay residents may be affected by smoke and this may continue for several days,” a spokesperson said.
“Residents should close windows and doors and if suffering from a respiratory condition, keep medications close by.
“Motorists should drive with caution and to conditions. If residents are concerned their property is under threat they are advised to call 000 immediately.”
They said the fire was posing no threat to property, as of 12.20pm.
Earlier:
RESIDENTS and visitors of Hydeaway Bay Caravan and Camping Park were forced to flee a bushfire at the weekend, and it’s continuing to burn this morning.
The fire threatened property and heavy smoke forced people to leave the caravan park.
The fire started at 2pm on Sunday, and burned for most of the night.
Another crew has been sent to fight the fire after it crossed the road and headed towards Dingo Beach.
Two crews initially responded, but this morning a third crew has been sent to battle the fire.
A spokeswoman at the caravan park said the fire came very close to the business.
“You couldn’t breathe (with the smoke). We are warning people (visitors) about the smoke,” she said.
Last night residents at the caravan park helped to fight the fire.
As of 10am on Monday, it was continuing to burn towards Dingo Beach.
