People in Fraser Island’s Happy Valley are being told to leave immediately with a bushfire expected to impact the township.
The bushfire warning has been raised to emergency level and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advise that leaving immediately as the safest option, because it soon may be too dangerous to drive.
“Any persons in the vicinity of Happy Valley township should leave the area heading to the Eastern Beach and head south to Eurong Resort,” the warning states.
“Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing.
“The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path. Fire crews may not be able to protect your property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door: act now.”
Power, water and mobile phone service may be lost and road conditions may become very dangerous over the next several hours.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
The bushfires were sparked by an illegal campfire on 14 October and have destroyed at least 82,500 hectares of the national park.
The fire continues to burn on multiple fronts on the east and west sides of the island.
About 100 specialist firefighters are on the ground and an array of firefighting aircraft including water bombers.
Fraser Island is about 250 kilometres north of Brisbane, 123 kilometres long and covers 181,851ha.
