SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Firefighters rescue hikers from QLD bushfire

Firefighters have found a group of hikers who were believed to be trapped by a bushfire in central Queensland.

The Queensland Fire & Rescue Service Competition in Musgrave Park, Brisbane on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (AAP Image/Patrick Hamilton) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY
The Queensland Emergency and Fire Service has told residents its too late to leave Walsh River area. Source: AAP

2 min read

Published

Updated


Skip to article content

Firefighters have moved a dozen people reportedly trapped by a bushfire in central Queensland to safety. 

A rescue helicopter was sent to the Blackwater region in central Queensland following the reports, but firefighters on the ground reached them first. 

The RACQ rescue helicopter tweeted that firefighters had been able to walk the group to safety.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said in a separate statement that crews are responding to a bushfire burning near Blackdown Tablelands National Park.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The fire broke out earlier on Sunday around Charlevu Rd at Dingo.

Meanwhile, residents near Herberton in far north Queensland have been warned it's now too late to leave as a bushfire burns out of control at Watsonville .

The fast-moving fire is travelling in a westerly direction towards Walsh River Road and is expected to reach the Christian Community Centre very soon, firefighters say.

"The fire is expected to have a life-threatening impact on the community" of around 350 people, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said on Sunday.

The services told residents to "identify where you will seek shelter" from the bushfire, which firefighters are unable to prevent reaching the community.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world