A Queensland caravan park was evacuated as a massive bushfire threatened property.
Residents and visitors at the Hydeaway Bay Caravan and Camping Park in the Whitsunday region were forced to leave as the park was shrouded in heavy smoke.
Many of them initially tried to help to fight the fire.
A caravan park spokesperson told the Mackay Daily Mercury that the fire had come very close to the business.
“You couldn’t breathe with the smoke,” she said. “We were warning visitors about the smoke.”
The fire started yesterday afternoon and burned for most of the night, and was still smouldering this morning.
Two crews initially responded, but a third crew was sent to battle the fire earlier today as the flames crossed the road and headed towards Dingo Beach.
Local resident Zoe Willcocks told the Daily Mercury that a handful of people had tried to keep the fire in check until the fire crews arrived.
“We had cars piled up out the front as they could not pass from the blaze tearing over the road,” she said. “Our neighbour is away working but lost a few things around his house but not the house itself.
The fire service is now conducting backburning operations in the area.
• Were you affected by the fire? Comment below
We are feeling very sorry for Roz and Paul the owners of Hydeaway Bay caravan park. They have been through cyclone Debbie and now a wildfire. We were thoroughly enjoying our stay for a week until the burn and consequent bushfire and smoke forced us to leave as it did others. They have lost their customers during the busy season, the park was just about full. We had booked for another 3 weeks so we will be back. Great spot and lovely people.