Home damaged by north Queensland bushfire, properties under threat
Updated
An out-of-control bushfire has damaged a home in north Queensland and other properties are under threat.
The Fire and Emergency Service has issued a Watch and Act message as crews try to control the blaze, which flared this morning, at Bluewater near Townsville.
Authorities said the fast-moving fire is heading north, but conditions are expected to ease into the evening.
It could affect King Street, James Street and Bluewater Drive on Friday afternoon.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Commissioner Steve Barber said the situation was very serious.
On Friday afternoon, a house was on fire on Bluewater Drive.
Water bombing is underway to save nearby properties.
"Unfortunately we have one house that's on fire, we have other houses that are being protected by fire and rural fire service crews," he said.
"We're trying to contain that house fire as we speak as the moment and our crews are working very hard in very hot dry and trying conditions."
The area has received little rain since the end of the wet season in April.
Assistant Commissioner Barber said conditions were expected to ease this evening, but currently other properties are under threat.
"It is exceptionally dry and quite warm, so we have some elevated high fuel conditions and today is very high fire danger as well," he said.
"We do have two other properties under threat, we have crews there in structural protection mode at this stage.
"They are undertaking back-burning operations."
If residents have a bushfire plan they are urged to enact it.
"If you do notice the fire is coming close to you and there isn't any fire trucks or crews in your vicinity please ring triple-0 and we will try to get a crew there as soon as possible," Assistant Commissioner Barber said.
"If you don't have a prepared bushfire plan and you do have a level of concern about the fire and smoke in your area, it would probably be more safe for you to leave your property now and go to a safer location."
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