UPDATE 16 NOVEMBER 4.45 PM: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has advised Walkers Point Road and Jarretts Road are now open under Queensland Police Service (QPS) control to residents, and Woodgate Road remains open in both directions.
Heidkes Road remains closed at this time.
There has been no other change to current warnings in the Woodgate area, with the fire generally remaining within containment lines despite windy conditions.
Latest advice from QFES:
4:55 PM PREPARE TO LEAVE: Woodgate/Walkers Point Road
Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT
An unpredictable bushfire is burning near Woodgate Road and Woppis Road, and travelling towards Walkers Point Road, Woodgate.
Walkers Point Road and Jarretts Road are now open under Queensland Police Service (QPS) control to residents, and Woodgate Road remains open in both directions.
Heidkes Road is closed between Jarretts Road and Walkers Point Road.
For residents who have already evacuated and are unable to shelter with friends and family, an evacuation centre is open at the Isis Cultural Centre, 49 Churchill Street, Childers
3.55 PM PREPARE TO LEAVE: Kinkuna Waters
Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT
An unpredictable bushfire is burning near Kinkuna Waters Estate. The fire is burning on the northern side of Woodgate Road travelling in a westerly direction from Kinkuna Waters Estate towards Goodwood.
The fire is also burning on the southern side of Woodgate Road towards Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road.
Woodgate Road is now open in both directions and Kinkuna Waters Estate residents are permitted to return to their homes. Queensland Police Service (QPS) will continue to patrol the area.
EARLIER: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has advised Woodgate Road has reopened and Kinkuna Waters Estate residents are able to return home under police escort.
Residents who have been evacuated from Walkers Point Road are still unable to return.
QFES has also released aerial footage of the ongoing firefighting efforts showing flames in bushland and the efforts of water bombing aircraft.
QFES issued leave now advice with a bushfire warning level of watch and act for both Woodgate/Walkers Point and Kinkuna Waters.
At 7.35 pm QFES said a bushfire was burning near Woodgate Road and Woppis Road, and travelling towards Walkers Point Road, Woodgate.
“Woodgate Road is now open in both directions under Queensland Police Service control,” QFES said.
“There is no access to Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road due to fire hazards in the area.”
At 7.30 pm QFES said a bushfire was burning near Kinkuna Waters Estate.
“The fire is burning on the northern side of Woodgate Road travelling in a westerly direction from Kinkuna Waters Estate towards Goodwood,” the warning said.
“The fire is also burning on the southern side of Woodgate Road towards Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road.
“Residents of Kinkuna Waters Estate are permitted to return to their homes under QPS escort.
“There continues to be no access to Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road due to fire hazards in the area.
“The fire is not contained.”
Fire crews, with the assistance of heavy machinery, will continue to work throughout the night on containment lines and carry out firefighting activities.
For residents who have already self-evacuated and are unable to shelter with friends and family, an evacuation centre is open at the Isis Cultural Centre, 49 Churchill Street, Childers.
QFES is reminding residents that fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.
What you should do
• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
• Put on protective clothing (eg a long-sleeved cotton shirt, boots with thick soles).
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you are leaving:
• Secure your pets for safe transport.
• Check for road closures and then advise family and friends of your intended travel route.
• Take your important documents and essential items (e.g., passports, birth certificates, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing) when you leave.
• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
If you are unable to leave:
• Bring pets inside; restrain them with a leash, a cage, or inside a secure room; and provide them with plenty of water.
• Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins, and outdoor furniture away from your house.
• Fill containers such as your bath, sinks, and buckets with water so you have access to drinking water and firefighting water.
• Close windows and doors, sealing the gaps under doors and screens with wet towels to keep smoke out of the house.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
Keep up to date
- Visit the Bundaberg Regional Council Disaster Dashboard.
- Follow QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandEmergencyServices) and Twitter (@QldFES)
- Tune to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;
- Visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
