Country town in sights after fire burns home, bridge
A bushfire that has destroyed a home and a railway bridge now has a country town in its sights, prompting a âprepare to leaveâ warning.
Heatwave conditions and strong winds have created a âperfect stormâ, fuelling a blaze that has been burning for days in north Queensland despite the valiant efforts of fire crews.
The fire has burned through 70km since it first sparked near Einasleigh, northwest of Townsville, five days ago.
Local mayor Barry Hughes said a house had burned down near Einasleigh with reports of a railway bridge catching alight and track damage in the area.
Now he is fearful for the nearby town of Forsayth, which boasts about 100 people.
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Burning on two fronts, the fire was located about 7km from the town on Monday afternoon.
âIt is moving in a westerly direction which puts the township of Forsayth in the firing line,â Etheridge Shire Mayor Hughes said.
About 10 fire crews including water bombing support from four planes and even a Black Hawk helicopter have been battling the blaze along with rangers, council workers and local farmers.
Reinforcements from Townsville arrived on Monday.
âWeâve been battling this fire since Wednesday night,â Hughes said.
âThe people on the front line have done a fantastic job.
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âThey have been able to protect cattle properties in the line of fire but thereâs been massive loss of pasture.â
Hughes said a âperfect stormâ of conditions had fuelled the fire since it jumped a containment line near Einasleigh days ago and âgot awayâ.
The region has endured 40-plus temperatures for the past five days along with blustery, southeast winds.
âIt has been fanning the fire, making it very challenging,â Hughes said.
âThe conditions have worked against any reasonable chance of containing the blaze.â
The Queensland Fire Department issued a âprepare to leaveâ warning for Forsayth on Monday afternoon.
âWe have made sure everybody is prepared,â Hughes said.
âWe are just hoping against all hope that the weather conditions become more favourable over the next day or so.
âThe way things are progressing that doesnât look likely but we will cross our fingers and hope for the best.â
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