Emergency Declared After Fire at Pialba Unit Complex

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Police have declared an emergency under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) following a fire at a unit complex in Pialba, Queensland, early Sunday morning. The declaration was issued to protect residents, secure the scene, and assist emergency services in managing the incident.

Authorities received reports of the fire at approximately 1:17 am on Andrew Street, within a multi-unit residential building. Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews arrived to find conditions posing potential danger to nearby properties and the public. At 2:02 am, an emergency declaration was made under the PSPA, enabling officers to impose movement restrictions and secure the affected area.

The exclusion zone covers parts of Taylor Street, Neils Street, Torquay Road, and Boat Harbour Drive. Residents within this area have been advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed to limit possible exposure to smoke. Motorists are urged to avoid the exclusion zone and seek alternate routes to minimise interference with emergency operations.

Specialist firefighting teams are working to control the blaze, while investigators assess the cause of the incident. As of the latest update, authorities have not confirmed any injuries. The Queensland Police Service has stated that the emergency declaration will remain in effect until the site is deemed safe.

Under the Public Safety Preservation Act, police can declare an emergency in situations where there is a significant risk to people, property, or the environment. Once declared, officers have authority to restrict access, evacuate residents if required, and coordinate emergency responses with relevant agencies.

The PSPA is commonly used in Queensland to manage incidents such as natural disasters, hazardous material spills, major accidents, and serious criminal events. It provides legal powers for rapid response and ensures agencies can work together efficiently to reduce risks.

Local authorities have encouraged residents to monitor official Queensland Police Service updates and local news outlets for further information. Compliance with movement restrictions is considered essential to protect public safety and allow emergency personnel to operate without obstruction.

Community members affected by the incident are advised to contact the Queensland Police Assistance Line for non-urgent matters or triple zero (000) for emergencies. The police have also reminded the public that entering or attempting to bypass an exclusion zone without authorisation is an offence under Queensland law.

Emergency services remain on site, and further updates are expected as fire crews continue containment efforts and investigators work to determine the cause of the fire.

The incident has caused significant disruption to the immediate area, with traffic diversions in place and emergency vehicles stationed at multiple points around the exclusion zone. Businesses within the cordon are expected to remain closed until the PSPA is lifted.

Police have thanked the community for their cooperation during the emergency and have reassured residents that every effort is being made to restore normal conditions. Further details, including the fire’s cause and any property damage assessments, will be released once investigations are complete.