A massive fire is burning through Townsville, sparking stern warnings for locals.
The blaze started about 9am on Friday and has since effected both Flinders and Blackwoods Sts in the city’s CBD.
Footage from the scene shows firefighters trying to tackle with a wall of fire engulfing a building.
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The Queensland Fire Department has since issued a “Stay Informed” warning because the “situation could change”.
“The incident is not under control,” the warning reads.
Residents have been urged to “stay inside and close windows and doors to keep the smoke out”.
“If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close … Stay away from the area if you do not need to be there.”
Smoke will remain in the area for “hours”, according to the Queensland Fire Department, while some roads may be closed as firefighters continue to battle with the blaze.
Queensland Police have also declared the fire as an emergency under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA).
An exclusion zone has been launched encompassing an area inside Sturt, Blackwood, Walker Street, Stanley, Hanran, Flinders and Jones Sts.
“Members of the public, including motorists, are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors and close their windows until further notice,” police said.
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