Evacuation means pub empty for first time in 93 years

O’REILLY’S Rainforest Retreat has officially reopened after the threat of fire on the main access point was downgraded.

Closed for 24 hours due to a major evacuation on Monday evening, manager Brendan Long said the hotel hadn’t been completely empty for 93 years.

“It was a bit eerie locking it all up,” Mr Long said as he described the precautionary evacuation from the lodge.

“I was the last one walking around making sure everything was clear.”

Mr Long said the evacuation was precautionary because of the single access point and he didn’t think there was a fire threat to the retreat itself.

“People were very calm and clear the fire was well down the mountain but at one spot it was threatening the road,” Mr Long said.

On top of visitors being accommodated, 85 staff who live at the retreat have also had to relocate. Many stayed on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane.

“It was a bit difficult managing it but I’m so happy we are back on, and can welcome visitors again.”

The evacuation orders were initially issued at 3pm on Monday but more than 100 people were unable to leave the O’Reilly’s retreat and Lamington National Park because of limited road access.

Hours later after it was deemed safe, a convoy of more than 50 vehicles moved the guests, staff and police to the safety of Canungra.

Chief Superintendent Ben Marcus said: “We were presented with an opportunity of good weather for a short time and some aggressive fire fighting on the ground which meant we were able to bring all 131 people out in a 51-vehicle convoy with a helicopter overwatch.”

Police say the cause of the Scenic Rim Blaze is still unknown.

“The blaze was first reported to us by some trail bike riders, what we do know is we have a number of people across the state not exercising prudent care.

“We will be investigating the cause of fires across the state, but the difficultly we face with fire is once the fire is lit our priority is to put the fire out and the investigation, whilst very important, often is overtaken by the emergency.”