Police and officers from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) investigating this weekend’s bushfire on Bribie Island have deemed the cause of the blaze suspicious.
Shortly after midday on January 17, a multi-agency local and state government response was initiated after authorities were alerted to a bushfire off Hornsby Road at Bellara.
Warm northerly winds fanned the fire which spread through the National Park.
On Friday, the fire came close to Banksia Beach State School and the Community Arts Centre.
Firefighting assets successfully protected these facilities and Sunderland Drive was closed for periods of time due to smoke and fire hazard.
QFES Incident Controller Graham Quinn said crews worked tirelessly over the weekend to bring the fire under control, and it was a fantastic result no properties or local assets were lost.
“We’d also like to thank the community for their support, generosity and understanding during the incident,” Mr Quinn said.
Police investigated several reports of unusual fire spotting and members of the public placing themselves at risk by entering the fire ground.
Sadly, police also had to euthanise several animals that had been severely injured by the fire.
The Bribie Island Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Peter Thompson said the impact for residents had been significant.
“From disruption to the community, the destruction of habitat and substantial cost to the community for the emergency response – it was a difficult weekend for those of us on the island,” Senior Sergeant Thompson said.
“It makes me furious to think that someone may have deliberately lit this fire – particularly in these hot conditions – and put our properties, wildlife, pets and lives at risk.
“I am asking anyone who may have been anything suspicious in the Bellara or Banksia Beach areas from Friday and through the weekend to contact police.”
Investigations are ongoing.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
Quote this reference number: QP1900122624