Overview

• Campers were moved from affected national park areas and residents in the island’s north, including Cowan Cowan and Bulwer, were told to prepare to leave, though authorities say no homes are currently under threat.
• About 32 firefighting crews worked through Sunday morning with fixed‑wing water bombers and helicopters as ground teams staged along beaches to access rugged terrain.
• The state parks agency closed Telegraph, Tempest, Eagers and Midnight tracks along with Blue Lagoon Road, and people choosing to depart were advised to use the western side or travel along the beach to Middle Road.
• Authorities say the blaze began with an unauthorised beach campfire, though the cause remains under investigation, and roughly 640 hectares have burned.
• Open flames are banned under total fire bans covering roughly two dozen local government areas, and smoke advisories urge residents to keep doors and windows closed and medications close at hand.