David Gardiner

Journalist

Smoke haze caused by a combination of controlled hazard burn offs and cool southerly winds has been lingering on mountain ranges across the far north in the past two days, but is set to dissipate in coming days.

Controlled burn offs advertised by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services include in the Macalister Range National Park and Little Mulgrave National Park.

Strong southerly winds have spread much of the smoke haze from the burns across a large area of mountain ranges from Bartle Frere, Bellenden Ker and Gillies to the south to Macalister Range and Mowbray National Park in the Douglas area.

Cooler air at night has pushed the smoke haze down the mountain ranges with the southerly winds during the day keeping the haze from rising up above the ranges, instead causing the milky white smoke particles to ‘cling’ to the mountains and hills.

But much of the haze is likely to dissipate in coming days, with winds forecast from a more easterly direction and the night air reverting to slightly warmer temperatures.

QFES – Current Hazard Reduction Burn Notifications

Date: 3 April 2023 - Mid July 2023 (weather permitting)

Agency: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services & Partnerships (QPWS&P)

Burn Location: Macalister Range National Park (Wangetti & Oak Beach areas)

Areas Affected: Smoke may be seen in and around the surrounding residential areas of Wangetti & Oak Beach, Captain Cook Highway

Date: April 2023 - July 2023 (weather permitting)

Agency: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services & Partnerships (QPWS&P)

Burn Location: Little Mulgrave National Park (Gillies Range section)

Areas Affected: Smoke may be seen in and around the surrounding areas of Goldsborough Valley, Little Musgrave, Barrine and Tinaroo township