Bulwer part of Cowan fire bushfire

Bushfire warning level: ADVICE

You need to keep up to date and decide what actions you will take if the situation changes.

Currently as at 10.30pm Monday 18 November, a bushfire that was previously burning near the township of Bulwer has now travelled in a north, north-easterly direction past the township.

The fire is no longer posing a threat to the township, however a fire continues to burn in the north of the Island and residents and campers should stay informed.

QFES crews continue to work alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) to protect the township and surrounding camping areas.

Residents who previously self-evacuated from the township of Bulwer may now return to their homes via the western beach.

All QPWS campgrounds across Moreton Island remain closed. Campers who have previously self-evacuated will not be permitted to return to any QPWS campground.

Emergency services crews will be patrolling Moreton Island overnight to ensure residents safety.

QFES crews will remain on scene overnight monitoring the area and blackening out any hotspots.

Tangalooma Island Resort will remain open to residents as a place of refuge. Tangalooma Island Resort will be providing meals, bedding in large shared rooms and shower facilities to those impacted.

People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality. A wind change over the coming hours may increase the volume of smoke, so residents with respiratory conditions should consider whether they return to their homes. Residents should drive with caution and to conditions. Smoke from this fire may also be affecting residents in the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Properties are not under direct threat at this time. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• 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.

KEEP UP TO DATE BY:

• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandRescueService) and Twitter (@QldFES)

• Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at https://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;

• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map

FURTHER INFORMATION:

• For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety

• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au

The next update will be provided when the situation changes.