Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Twelve trapped by bushfire in Queensland
There are reports 12 people are trapped by a bushfire in central Queensland while another is burning out of control at near Herberton in the state’s north.
September 30, 2018
Rescue helicopters have been sent to Blackdown Tableland in central Queensland following reports 12 people are trapped by a bushfire.
The blaze is burning in the Blackdown Tableland National Park, 150km west of Rockhampton, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service says its crew and two other helicopters responded to the emergency at Rainbow Falls around 1.30pm.
The area is thick bush with a heavy canopy and the people will need to be winched out, an RACQ spokeswoman told AAP on Sunday.
The fire broke out earlier on Sunday around Charlevue Road at Dingo.
Meanwhile, residents near Herberton in far north Queensland have been warned it’s too late to leave as a bushfire burns out of control at Watsonville .
The fast-moving fire is travelling in a westerly direction towards Walsh River Road and is expected to reach the Christian Community Centre soon, firefighters say.
“The fire is expected to have a life-threatening impact on the community” of around 350 people, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said on Sunday.