A family barbecue in Sherwood turned into a fast-moving house fire that tore through a two-storey Brisbane home, forcing residents to flee as thick smoke and loud explosions spread across the neighbourhood. Fire crews arrived to find the property heavily engulfed, while nearby residents gathered on the street watching firefighters battle flames that could be seen above surrounding homes.
The fire broke out on Lance Street in Sherwood on 9 May, shortly after 1:30 p.m. Queensland Fire Department crews responded after a barbecue on an outdoor deck was believed to have caught alight before the flames spread into the house.
Emergency responders worked for about an hour to bring the blaze under control as smoke poured through the suburb’s residential streets. Video footage showed firefighters using aerial hoses while parts of the roof collapsed into the building.
Neighbours Heard Explosions as Fire Spread
Residents living nearby reported hearing shouting and several explosions as the fire intensified. Some neighbours rushed outside after seeing smoke rise above the property, while others watched emergency crews move quickly to stop the flames from spreading to nearby homes.
Early updates posted on a local community Facebook page stated firefighters were responding to reports of a barbecue fire that had spread from the back deck into the house. The property, described in multiple reports as a Queenslander-style home, suffered severe structural damage during the blaze.
Sherwood Community Watches After Family Loses Home
Several reports stated six people were displaced by the fire as the home was left heavily damaged. Images from the scene showed blackened walls, collapsed sections of roofing and debris scattered around the property after crews extinguished the flames.
While investigators continue examining the exact cause, emergency services believe the barbecue may have been left running before the fire started. Authorities have not reported any serious injuries linked to the incident.
Published 13-May-2026
