Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Qld town warned as bushfire approaches
A bushfire near Herberton, in north Queensland, is bearing down on the small town of Irvinebank, with residents warned to leave now.
October 1, 2018
Residents of the small north Queensland town of Irvinebank have been told to leave their homes immediately as a bushfire burning for two weeks bears down on the community of more than 300.
The large and fast-moving blaze is travelling in a north-northwesterly direction towards Irvinebank and is expected to reach Cemetery Road and Herberton Petford Road around 4.30pm.
The fire, which started on September 17, burned a home and sheds in nearby Walsh River on Sunday afternoon, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said on Monday.
“Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing,” a QFES spokesman said in a statement.
An assembly point has been established at the Herberton Community Centre with residents warned the blaze could have a significant impact on their community.
Meanwhile, a group of hikers is recovering after they were rescued from a fire in the Blackdown Tableland National Park – 150km west of Rockhampton – on Sunday.
Eight people were walked out of bushland near Rainbow Falls, while another person was helped out of the area after walking into a ranger’s hut.
Firefighters said another four people refused assistance.
Queensland ambulance says they treated 11 people, including three children, for minor smoke inhalation.