Source: QLD Fire and Emergency Services

PREPARE TO LEAVE - Watsonville and Silver Valley (near Atherton) - fire as at 3:08pm Monday, 12 October 2026

Warning Level: Watch and Act

Warning Area: Sandridge Road, Herberton Petford Road, Silver Valley Road and roads south of Walsh River

*** There is more than one warning for this area. To see all current warnings, visit the Qld Fire website ***

A dangerous fast moving fire is burning near Silver Valley Road, Silver Valley. It is moving towards Herberton Petford Road, Watsonville.

Prepare to leave as the situation could get worse quickly.

Avoid driving on Silver Valley Road, Silver Valley.

What you should do:

- If you are in danger, call Triple Zero (000) now.

- Check for warning updates often and listen to your local radio station.

- If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close. Smoke can make it hard to breathe.

- Get ready now so you can leave quickly if the fire gets close:

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

- Decide on a safe place to go. This may be to family or friends outside the warning area.

- Tell others where you will go.

- Plan how you will leave. Some roads may not be safe.

- If you are not prepared or find it hard to move quickly, your safest option is to leave early.

- Pack a bag with device chargers, clothes, important documents, medicine, lots of drinking water, cash and other important items.

- Be ready to take your pets, their food and supplies.

- Wear protective clothing that covers your skin.

- Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.

Impacts:

- The fire could impact the community in the coming hours.

- Roads may be impacted by smoke. Smoke can make it hard to see when driving.

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

What firefighters are doing:

- Firefighters are working to control the fire.

- Aircraft are helping ground crews.

- Backburning has been done to help control the fire.

More Information:

- For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website.

- Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook.

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

- For power information go to the website.

- For local information visit your Council's Local Disaster Dashboard.

- If you need translation, call TIS National on 131 450.

- Natural disasters can affect your mental health. If you need help contact:

- Lifeline website or call 13 11 14.

- Beyond Blue website or call 1300 224 636.

- Kids Helpline website or call 1800 551 800.

Next update by 05:08 pm or sooner if the situation changes.

This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.

QFES Current Bushfires