Qld To Review Fraser Island Blaze Response

From nmnwiki
Revision as of 11:34, 1 January 2021 by PenelopeCaldwell (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search


The response to a massive Fraser Island bushfire that has destroyed almost half of the world-heritage-listed national park will be reviewed, Queensland's premier says.

Firefighters have dumped more than a million litres of water and fire-retardant gel on the blaze, which has burned through 81,500 hectares.

The fire continues to burn on three fronts seven weeks after it was sparked by an illegal campfire, tour du lịch hạ long which continues to be investigated.

"The sight of it burning is so painful," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told parliament on Wednesday.

"It's understandable that those who love the island want to be assured that everything that could be done to protect it has and is being done.

"That is why I can confirm the inspector-general emergency management has been instructed to conduct a full review.

"He will examine all aspects of preparedness and response."

One front of the blaze is about 2.5 kilometres east of Kingfisher Bay Resort and heading southeast.

The resort and a neighbouring workers' village remain under a prepare to leave the order, however, all guests were evacuated on Monday and staff followed late on Wednesday.

Another part of the bushfire is about 4km west of Happy Valley and headed south.

On the eastern side of the island, the fire is 3km south of the evacuated Cathedrals on Fraser camping grounds and travelling south towards Eli Creek.

Water bombers have dumped more than a million litres of water and fire-retardant gel on the bushfire but the loose soil on the world's largest sand tour hạ long island means it quickly drains away.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warn a persistent heatwave could see fire weather conditions deteriorate.

It took over management of the fire from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science national park ranger service on Friday.

QFES immediately ordered tourists to stay away from the island, closing access from 5pm to all people except residents and essential workers.

Visitors already on the island have been told to stay close to their campsites and avoid travelling on inland tracks and roads.

The giant blaze is thought to have been started by an illegal campfire on October 14.

Opposition spokesman for fire and emergency services, Dale Last, said the fire had been poorly managed and multiple government departments must be held to account.

"Business operators, residents and tourists are rightfully angry with the government's slow response and they deserve answers not excuses," he said.

Fraser Island is about 250km north of Brisbane and is 123km in length.

According to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the island kynghidongduong.vn is 181,851 hectares in size.