Far North Queensland residents told to prepare to flee as bushfire bears down near Cairns

The inferno is coming: Residents are told to leave now as out-of-control bushfire bears down on Queensland town

  • Bushfire is threatening properties in town of Biboohra in far north Queensland
  • Residents ordered to evacuate their homes just before 4pm local time Sunday
  • Residents in nearby Mareeba warned to be ready to follow bushfire survival plan
  • Comes three days after bushfires burned out of control near Mareeba 

Residents have fled their homes as the ongoing bushfire crisis in Queensland continues.

A watch and act warning remains in place for a bushfire burning in Biboohra in far north Queensland, 75 kilometres west of Cairns. 

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warned on its Facebook page on Sunday afternoon that conditions could get worse and that properties could be under threat.  

Towns west of Cairns were under threat from bushfire for the second time in three days on Sunday. Pictured is Thurday’s bushfire in Mareeba 

A ‘leave now’ warning was issued for Biboohra residents just before 4pm local time with authorities doorknocking locals.

The fast-moving fire was travelling in a south-westerly direction towards Bilwon Road was expected to impact properties on Bilwon Road near the Cypress Road. 

‘The fire could have a significant impact on the community,’ the latest QFES Facebook post read.

‘Fire crews, with the support of waterbombing aircraft, are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost. 

Two separate out of control bushfires in Mareeba near Cairns in Queensland's far north on Thursday (pictured) are now being treated as suspicious

Two separate out of control bushfires in Mareeba near Cairns in Queensland’s far north on Thursday (pictured) are now being treated as suspicious

Residents in the nearby town of Mareeba were also urged to be ready to follow their bushfire survival plan.  

‘If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly,’ an earlier QFES read. 

The latest warning comes three days after two bushfires burned out of control and threatened properties near Mareeba, which are being treated as suspicious. 

Residents in Mareeba are being urged to be ready to follow their bushfire survival plan for the second time within three days. Pictured is a bushfire in the area on Thursday

Residents in Mareeba are being urged to be ready to follow their bushfire survival plan for the second time within three days. Pictured is a bushfire in the area on Thursday

Fire crews are also at the scene of a separate grass fire burning near the Mulligan Highway at Southedge, north of Mareeba. 

The blaze is burning within containment lines with no current threat to properties.

Residents and motorists in the region are being warned about smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.

BUSHFIRE TIPS FOR RESIDENTS

• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.

• If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.

• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes.

• Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.

• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.

• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.

• Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.

• Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.

• Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes.

Source: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services 

 

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