Fraser Island fire facing 'deteriorating conditions' as heatwave rolls in
Emergency services battling a bushfire burning on Fraser Island for more than six weeks have warned conditions are expected to deteriorate over the next days amid a heatwave.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service regional director Mick Cubis on Friday said south-easterly winds were expected to veer from the north on Sunday and become "relatively strong and gusty".
The fire is now about five kilometres north of Kingfisher Bay Resort, on the western coast, with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warning residents and visitors would be affected by smoke.
"Despite the current milder conditions, backburning operations continue to be hampered by the stronger-than-expected winds on the fireline," Mr Cubis said.
Mr Cubis said authorities were focusing on preparing a "defence strategy for any structure which may be under threat in the coming days of expected deteriorating conditions".
A fire on Fraser Island has been burning for weeks.Credit:George Seymour/Facebook
"Fire is currently to the north of Boon Boon Creek in the Kingfisher Bay vicinity and preparation work on firelines is under way in readiness to defend the resort if required," he said.
"Protection of life and property remains the priority of the firefighting effort."
The fire is believed to have started after an illegal campfire was not extinguished properly, and has been burning through thick bush for weeks. Water-bombing aircraft have been used in the past week to tackle the fire.
Visitors to the island are being urged to check regularly for updates on the fire and any park closures on the island.
A "severe to possibly extreme" heatwave is expected across south-east Queensland from Friday with the worst of the heat expected from Sunday.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting temperatures up in the 40s for areas west of Brisbane and hot conditions across the state until Wednesday.
Lucy is the urban affairs reporter for the Brisbane Times, with a special interest in Brisbane City Council.