New powers will allow police to force homeowners facing horror island fire to go

Queensland Police have enacted special powers allowing them to forcibly removed residents from their homes as a fire emergency continues to unfold east of Brisbane.

More firefighters are on their way to defend the sixty homes under threat on Russell Island, the biggest of the Moreton Bay Islands, while an evacuation centre has opened to provide sanctuary to those affected.

Under ember attack, 7 News captured the moment smoke rose from the dry grass, scorching the backyard of a besieged home.

Just as the house appeared lost, a Firebird 450 emerged from the black smoke to unleash 2.6 tonnes of seawater.

While on the ground, residents holding hoses tried desperately to hold back a line of flames bearing down on the island.

There are about 2,000 people living there, some of whom have been instructed to leave their homes.

“The spot fire I saw was taller than me and I’m 6’2,” one resident said.

“The house two doors down was being water bombed. I’m from South Australia, I’ve seen what bushfires do so I don’t want to stick around,” another added.

Several crews and other volunteer firefighters jumped on barges to help battle the blaze, while residents are being told not to underestimate the quick-burning fire.

It’s the first time in the island’s history a fire emergency has been declared.