Large bushfire threatening properties at Ningi and Beachmere north of Brisbane
Large bushfire threatening properties at Ningi and Beachmere north of Brisbane
08 November 2013
published by www.heraldsun.com.au
Australia — LARGE, fast-moving fire is burning at Ningi, just north of Brisbane, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service says.
About 30 fire crews and two helicopters were trying to contain the grassfire, near Peel Road at Ningi, that has burnt across 120ha of land.
A statement from the fire service about 6pm today said no homes were threatened and there was no need for residents to leave.
The fire was causing a large amount of smoke in the area and motorists travelling on the Bruce Highway were advised to drive with caution.
Earlier alerts advised residents to enact their bushfire plans, but the fire service has since downgraded the fire risk. A watch and act message for Ningi and Beachmere near Bribie Island has been cancelled.
Earlier, it was reported firefighters were starting to contain a potentially dangerous fire burning on Brisbanes northeastern outskirts.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service staff say a large grass fire is burning near Peel Road at Ningi.
The fire is not threatening any properties and there is no need for residents to relocate at this time.
The fire has burnt about 1000ha.
Sixteen fire crews and two helicopters are fighting the fire which is causing a large amount of smoke.
Motorists have been warned that visibility has been effected near the Bruce Highway.
Previously, it was reported the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service told residents to enact bushfire plans.
The large and fast-moving fire is at Peel Rd, Ningi. It is travelling in a southerly direction and is expected to impact Lomond Dr, Glasgow Rd, Browns Rd and Wallace Rd in Ningi, as well as Newman Rd, Caboolture-Beachmere Rd and the general Beachmere community before 5pm.
Spot fires may occur ahead of the main front.
Power, water and mobile phone coverage may be lost.
Fifteen crews are working to contain the blaze but firefighters will not be able to protect every affected property and residents should not expect a firefighter at their door.
Beachmere resident Allison Buck watched the bushfire as it moved past houses at the back of Pritchard Rd, Beachmere about 3pm.
She said the flames came frighteningly close to homes.
It was really scary, the wind was a lot stronger than normal and you could feel the heat of the fire, she said.
The fire was moving so fast and the smoke was just so black.
Owner of Ningi Takeaway Café Frank Miano said the phone had been ringing off the hook.
From where we are it looks pretty bad, he said.
Weve just heard they might be starting to evacuate people.
Meanwhile, firefighters have contained a large grassfire at Bundamba, southwest of Brisbane.
Five crews were sent out to the fire near High St and the Cunningham Highway which has been burning for several days.
A Queensland Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said five crews had attended the fire at Bundamba.
She said no houses or structures in the area were under threat and the fire was contained just after 2pm today. She said back-burning was being conducted.
Motorists have been advised to drive with caution and homeowners with respiratory conditions have been told to keep their doors and windows closed.
