A bushfire warning was downgraded last night but 25 properties were under threat as a fire raged out of control west of Cooktown.
Cooktown Shire Council Mayor Peter Scott (right) said the blaze, which started just before midday yesterday, had already burned through 640 hectares and two sheds.
He said 25 properties were threatened and residents in the path of the swift-moving fire were asked to evacuate their homes yesterday.
“It’s about 14km west of Cooktown in an area with lots of hobby farms,” Cr Scott said.
“Some school kids were held at school rather than go in the bus and parents came and collected them.
“Noone has been injured at this stage.”
He said residents were “on edge” and the local disaster management team was on ‘lean forward’ status.
Hot, dry conditions and winds of up to 30kph were contributing to the fire’s speed and intensity.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said the fire was travelling in a north-westerly direction and was expected to impact the areas of Poison Creek Road, Minke Road, Starke Street, Unit Street and Railway Avenue.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) Far Northern Regional Manager Lawrence Laing said there was particular concern for the Peninsula and Gulf Country, which would experience a very high fire danger rating today.