Australia: Bushfire threatens homes in Cooktown (Queensland) October 3

Event

On Saturday, October 3, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) issued an Emergency Warning and advised residents to leave the area immediately due to a bushfire threatening homes near Oaky Creek Road and Ironwood Avenue in Cooktown (Queensland). The warning level was in place throughout the afternoon and early evening before being downgraded to Advice at 23:00 (local time), with residents told to keep up to date with the situation and prepare themselves to evacuate if needed. Firefighters are conducting backburning operations and will continue to monitor the situation overnight. Cooktown Mayor Peter Scott reported that one house has been destroyed by the fire. The latest warnings can be found on the QFES's website. 

Further spread of the fire and renewed evacuation orders are possible in the near term. An emergency response presence and localized transportation disruptions, namely road closures, should be anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, keep abreast of warnings, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, confirm road conditions prior to heading out, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities, notably evacuation orders.