Dangerous vegetation fire breaks out near Gladstone, Australia
Queensland’s fire service has issued a Watch and Act warning due to a dangerous, rapidly spreading vegetation fire near the city of Gladstone in Australia. Residents were warned that the situation could deteriorate quickly and urged to be ready to leave the area.
12 crews deployed to fight the fire
As ABC News reports, the fire is burning near Kirkwood Road. Twelve crews are attempting to bring the fire under control, and aerial support has also been requested.
According to the fire service, the blaze began at about 11:50 on the roadside near the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens. In the afternoon, the rural fire service was carrying out controlled burning along Gladstone Trail to keep the fire within containment lines.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Road closures
Queensland Police reported the closure of several roads in the Glen Eden, Burua, Tulu and Telina areas. Restrictions are in place, in particular, on Kirkwood Road, Dixon Drive, Buccan Road and Haddock Drive. Drivers were advised to avoid non-essential travel because of the detours and road closures in effect.
Local resident Jean Williams said she saw a large column of smoke as she was returning home along Kirkwood Road after a trip to the store. According to her, the smoke kept growing, and neighbours came to find out how close the fire had come. She added that her neighbours have a limited water supply, but were not in danger at that time.
