Emergency declared as record heat triggers over 100 bushfires across Queensland, Australia
A bushfire ignited between Enoggera Reservoir and Camp Mountain, north of Brisbane, Queensland, on October 3, 2025, as record heat triggered over 100 fires statewide. An emergency declaration was issued as temperatures soared across the state. Total fire bans are in effect at least 26 local government areas.
Smoke rising from bushfires burning in Queensland on October 3, 2025. Credit: Queensland Fire Department
A bushfire broke out between Enoggera Reservoir and Camp Mountain, about 20 km (12 miles) north of Brisbane, on October 3.
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) issued a Watch and Act warning and advised residents it was Not Safe to return. Queensland Police Service declared an emergency on the afternoon of October 3, under the Public Safety Preservation Act, due to the blaze.
Over 20 firefighting crews and three water-bombing aircraft were deployed to the site. Bulldozers were used to reinforce containment lines, while aerial operations targeted active fire fronts. Authorities reported no confirmed damage to homes, but smoke and embers were affecting nearby communities.
Over 100 active bushfires were reported across Queensland on October 3, as temperatures soared across the state.
Nearly 100 people were evacuated from Cape Palmerston National Park, south of Mackay, after a large blaze forced the closure of the park. All campers were accounted for and reported safe. Other fires burned in Central Queensland and southeastern districts, contributing to smoke across several regions.
A total fire ban was declared in 26 local government areas, spanning from Central Queensland to the state’s southeast. Authorities said bans will remain in effect while elevated fire danger persists.
Smoke rising from bushfires burning at Mt Morgan, Central Queensland on October 3, 2025. Credit: Queensland Fire Department- Aerial view of smoke rising from bushfires at Clairview, Central Queensland on October 3, 2025. Credit: Queensland Fire Department
Extreme temperatures were recorded across the state on October 2 and 3. Townsville recorded 36.4°C (97.5°F) on October 3, its hottest October day since 1958, when temperatures reach 37.1°C (98.78°F). This was also its second-hottest day on record.
Meanwhile, Rockhampton reached 39°C (102.2°F), its hottest October day since 2019 earlier on October 2. Biloela also set a new October record, reaching just under 38°C (100.4°F).
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said some cooling is forecast over the weekend, though strong winds and dry conditions will sustain the fire danger through the weekend.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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