Queensland fire officials issue urgent warning as fast-moving blaze spreads near Gladstone
The Queensland Fire Department has declared a Watch and Act alert for a rapidly advancing vegetation fire near Gladstone, urging residents to prepare to evacuate.
A fast-moving vegetation fire broke out near Kirkwood Road in the Gladstone region at approximately 11:50 am, prompting the Queensland Fire Department to issue a Watch and Act warning. Twelve firefighting crews are on scene, and aerial assistance has been sought to help contain the flames. The rural fire service is employing back-burning tactics along the Gladstone trail to force the fire within established containment lines.
Queensland Police have shut down multiple streets—Kirkwood Road, Dixon Drive, Bukkan Road and Haddock Drive—and recommend that drivers stay away from the zone. Residents have been told the situation could deteriorate quickly and to be ready to leave if instructed. Local resident Jean Williams recounted noticing a large smoke plume while returning from the grocery store and hearing neighbors warn each other about the fire’s proximity.
Why it matters
The fire poses an immediate threat to homes and infrastructure in the Gladstone area, prompting evacuations and road closures.
In this story
