The Queensland Fire Department has issued a Watch and Act alert for a rapidly spreading vegetation fire in the Gladstone area, characterized as “dangerous” in nature.

Currently, twelve firefighting crews are engaged in efforts to contain the fire, which is located near Kirkwood Road. In addition, aerial resources have been summoned to assist in combating the blaze.

Authorities are advising local residents that conditions may deteriorate rapidly, urging them to prepare for possible evacuation.

The fire reportedly ignited around 11:50 AM adjacent to the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens, along the roadside.

As part of the containment strategy, the rural fire service is conducting back-burning operations along the Gladstone trail this afternoon.

The fire department anticipates that the situation may affect the local community in the upcoming hours.

This afternoon, Queensland Police announced via social media that several roads in the vicinity of Glen Eden, Burura, Toolooa, and Telina have been closed to traffic.

Road closures include Kirkwood Road, Dixon Drive, Bukkan Road, and Haddock Drive. The police advised that “ongoing diversions and road closures are in effect,” urging drivers to avoid non-essential travel.

Local resident Jean Williams, who has lived in the area for five years, reported seeing a significant plume of smoke while returning home from grocery shopping on Kirkwood Road.