More than 70 active fire incidents across Queensland amid unusually hot October temperatures
Tuesday 7 October 2025
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – Firefighters have responded to more than 100 incidents across Queensland as unusually hot October temperatures sparked an early start to the bushfire season.
Townsville recorded its hottest October day in 67 years on Friday, reaching 36.4°C by mid-morning. Meteorologists say the early outbreak of fires is consistent with La Niña conditions expected to develop later this year, which typically bring increased inland heatwaves and rainfall variability.
Firefighters tackle Brisbane bushfire
On Friday, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) issued a Not Safe to Return notice for residents near a slow-moving bushfire west of Brisbane, with a Watch and Act warning covering Mount Nebo Road, Betts Road and Camp Mountain Road.
The alert was later downgraded to Stay Informed, and police revoked an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA).
More than 20 crews remained on site with three water-bombing aircraft providing aerial support.
Speaking to ABC Radio Brisbane shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, QFES Assistant Commissioner Matt Bulow said he was concerned about the days ahead.
“There’s been significant progress, but it’s still not over yet. In that area, there are a lot of hot spots,” he said.
“We’re going to have crews in and around that area not just all night tonight but for the next couple of days.”
The fire began earlier in the week and jumped containment lines due to soaring temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity.
Evacuation at Cape Palmerston National Park
In northern Queensland, almost 100 people were evacuated from campsites in Cape Palmerston National Park, about an hour south of Mackay, on Friday.
Police and state rangers used the National Park booking system to ensure all visitors were accounted for.
Billy O’Grady, Principal Ranger for the Central West, said conditions remained concerning.
“We do have some drier, windier weather persisting over the weekend and into next week,” he said.
Townsville records hottest October day since 1958
Hot air masses pushed northwards through the state, with Townsville hitting 36.4°C — the city’s hottest October day since 1958, when the mercury reached 37.1°C.
It marks Townsville’s second-hottest October day on record.
Elsewhere, the heat has eased across central and southern Queensland following record-breaking temperatures on Thursday.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said slightly cooler conditions are expected over the weekend.
“We’re expecting sunny days ahead across the state, but a little bit of relief in the temperatures,” said BOM meteorologist Jordi Cairol.
La Niña outlook
The early onset of bushfires this year aligns with forecasts for a developing La Niña event by late 2025.
While La Niña usually brings wetter conditions to eastern Australia, it can also drive intense inland heatwaves and volatile weather patterns.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is expected to release its next ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) update on October 9, which could confirm the transition to La Niña 2025/2026.
