Source: QLD Fire and Emergency Services

PREPARE TO LEAVE - Cooktown - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 3:28pm Sunday, 24 August 2025

Warning Level: Watch and Act

Warning Area: Between Oaky Creek Road, Solander Road, Poison Creek Road and Lee Road

*** There are multiple warnings for this area. To see all current warnings, visit the QFD Current Bushfires and Warnings website ***

A large, fast-moving fire is burning near Oaky Creek Road. It is travelling towards Solander Road, Poison Creek Road and Lee Road.

Conditions could get worse quickly.

Firefighters are working to contain the fire. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.

If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

What you should do:

- If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.

- Prepare now so you can leave quickly if the bushfire gets close:

- Decide where you and the people you live with will go. This could be with family or a friend away from the fire. Plan how you will get there. Tell others where you will go.

- Charge mobile phones and power banks.

- Be ready to take your pets, pet food, pet lead or crate/carrier.

- Pack a bag with a mobile phone charger, enough clothes for five days, important documents (like ID, insurance papers, passports and photos), medicine, cash and keys.

- If you do not drive, call your support service, a family member or a friend to organise transport if you need to leave or want to leave.

- If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option.

- Avoid driving on Oaky Creek Road, Solander Road and Lee Road.

- Keep medications close by.

- Move flammable items away from your house if you can.

- Help others if it's safe to do so.

- Watch out for firefighters working in the area.

- Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.

- Stay informed:
- Keep checking the QFD Current Bushfires and Warnings website.
- Follow QFD on Facebook and X.com.
- Listen to your local radio station.

Impacts:

- The fire is likely to impact the community in the coming hours.

- Smoke can make it hard for some people to breathe.

- Smoke can make it hard to see when you are driving.
- Burning embers may reach properties. Try to put them out quickly with water.

- Roads may be closed or impacted.

- Power, water, and mobile phone services may be impacted as the fire gets closer.

Further Information:

- For all warnings, visit the QFD Current Bushfires and Warnings website.

- Follow QFD on Facebook and X.com.

- For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website or call 13 19 40.

Next update by 5:28pm or sooner if the situation changes.

This warning is from Queensland Fire Department.

QFES Current Bushfires