SMBI residents alerted to increased risk of smoke and embers from North Stradbroke Island fire

Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) residents are being asked to stay alert to a possible increase in smoke and ember hazard from the fire burning in Eighteen Mile Swamp on the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island.

The total fire ban for Redland City has been extended until midnight on Sunday 2 December 2018.

A possible change in wind directions is expected from Sunday through Monday, with winds expected from the easterly direction likely to increase smoke and ember hazards for the SMBI, especially Russell Island.

SMBI residents, especially the elderly and those with respiratory illness, are being asked to stay alert and take precautions to avoid the effect of the increased smoke hazards.

While there is no fire threat on SMBI, all residents should familiarise themselves with their local disaster plans and stay aware of the latest information.

The North Stradbroke Island fire is burning in a southerly direction within containment lines in a difficult to access area of Eighteen Mile Swamp that has the potential to burn underground for several weeks.

No property or lives are under threat from the fire, which has already burnt an area of 1,100 hectares.

All internal walking tracks in Naree Budjong Djara National Park on North Stradbroke Island are temporarily closed due to the current weather conditions and risk of wildfires.

This includes Fishman’s Track, Alfred Martin Way and access south along Main Beach has been closed.

Ground crews from QFES, QPWS, QPS, Sibelco, QYAC and SEQWater are in attendance at the fire, including 42 personnel, 21 combatant vehicles, 5 helicopters (one surveillance and four water bombers).

Keep up-to-date and share information with family and friends:

Redlands Coast disaster website: disaster.redland.qld.gov.au (includes multi-agency and Council information). The Disaster website and Council social media is also accessible from Council’s website: redland.qld.gov.au. 612 ABC Radio Local radio BayFM 100.3 QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandRescueService) and Twitter (@QldFES) Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map