Campers return to bushfire site
Campers return to bushfire site
30 April 2006
published by www.news.com.au
Australia — Holidaymakers evacuated when a campfire sparked a bushfire on an island off Brisbane have been allowed back to collect belongings.
The campers from the Adder Rock Camping Ground near Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island were taken to a community hall at Amity Point when a campfire spread into bushland about 9.30pm (AEST) yesterday.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Andrew Berkman said they were allowed to return this morning to collect their gear and some had left the island by barge.
But firefighters were keeping a close watch on the blaze which could threaten another camping ground at the northern end of North Stradbroke Island if the wind changed direction and strengthened this afternoon, Mr Berkman said.
Another 100 campers were at the Flinders Beach camping ground near Amity and might have to be evacuated by sea if fire blocked the only access road.
Earlier today the fire, burning on a two-kilometre front, threatened homes at nearby Amity.
A total of 11 rural and urban fire fighting units were on the island today, conducting backburning to protect homes and putting out spot fires.
Water bombing aircraft were also on standby.
“Everything seems under control at the moment,” Mr Berkman said.
“We are getting better access now to attack the fire and the weather bureau has forecast showers for this afternoon.”
