(TAN): A major tourist village in Australia’s Fraser Island is under threat from bushfires that have been burning for seven weeks now.
At least 50% of the World Heritage Site has been destroyed by the fire.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has advised people at Happy Valley, on the island’s eastern coast, to “leave immediately”. Three warnings are now active on Fraser Island.
“At 2.45pm on Sunday 6 December, a large fire is travelling in a south easterly direction towards Happy Valley township on Fraser Island. It is expected to impact Happy Valley township around 4pm. The fire is expected to have a significant IMPACT on the community,” Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said in a statement.
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“If you do not have a plan, your safest option is to leave immediately if it is clear to do so. If you cannot leave, identify where you will seek shelter from the bushfire. If you are not in the area, do not return, as conditions are too dangerous.”
Fire crews are working to contain the fire.
