Fire on island closes bridge

Tallon Bridge was closed by police yesterday when a fire broke out on Harriet Island. Thick smoke caused dangerous driving conditions on the bridge.

Max Fleet

THE Tallon Bridge was closed to traffic for a short time yesterday after a grassfire took hold on an inaccessible island in the Burnett River, creating thick plumes of smoke.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Bundaberg station officer David Avenell said there was little firefighters could do other than watch as Harriet Island burned.

“We drove over the bridge and saw the fire, but there was no way we could get down to it,” Mr Avenell said.

“It's surrounded by water and mud, so we couldn't reach it.”

The smoky haze meant visibility dropped to just metres, and the bridge was closed to motorists for a short time after 11am until the air cleared.

Firefighters, police, Bundaberg Regional Council and Main Roads worked to direct traffic away from the hazard.

Mr Avenell said the fire was still burning yesterday afternoon, but most of the smoke was blowing away from the CBD.

“Avoca residents might get a bit of smoke blowing over, but it shouldn't be too bad. The fire will burn itself out — it's not creating any danger,” he said.

The cause of the fire is unknown.