A vegetation fire near Sherwood has generated smoke haze across parts of Brisbane, prompting an avoid smoke warning for several southern suburbs.
Sherwood Vegetation Fire Prompts Warning
The fire was reported near Sherwood Road at Oxley Creek Common, close to the Brisbane Markets precinct at Rocklea.
Queensland Fire Department issued an Advice-level “Avoid Smoke” warning at 5:11 a.m. on Monday, 9 February 2026, for Sherwood, Rocklea, Oxley, Tarragindi and surrounding areas. The department advised residents to remain indoors where possible, close windows and doors, keep respiratory medication nearby if required, and avoid driving through smoke.
Queensland Fire Department stated no properties were at risk. However, smoke was expected to make breathing difficult for some residents and reduce visibility on local roads. Authorities also advised motorists to watch for firefighters operating in the area and not to fly drones near the fire.
It was also reported that the area was backburned around 8:30 a.m. to protect nearby factories. It was understood the fire was not planned, and firefighters said it did not pose a risk to infrastructure.
Earlier Fire Near Park Ridge
A separate vegetation fire was reported near Talinga Drive, close to the Mount Lindesay Highway at Park Ridge, just after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Queensland Fire Department said about 10 crews responded at the height of the incident.
That fire was contained around midnight, with crews remaining on patrol until 2:00 a.m. on Monday.
Air Quality And Visibility Impacts
Bureau of Meteorology said light winds across the city allowed smoke to drift and linger. Visibility at Brisbane Airport dropped to about 2 kilometres during the morning.
Air monitoring data showed Brisbane CBD recorded PM2.5 levels of 124 micrograms per cubic metre at 7:00 a.m., while South Brisbane recorded 76.8 micrograms per cubic metre.
Residents across suburbs including Woolloongabba, Morningside, New Farm, Hamilton, Hawthorne, Kangaroo Point, Newstead and Annerley reported waking to a strong smoke smell and visible haze. Some initially believed there was a nearby structure fire before learning of the Sherwood vegetation fire.
Queensland Fire Department advised residents to monitor official warning channels for updates. Further information will be issued if conditions change.
Published 9-Feb-2026
