Heron Island resort evacuated following fire

Almost 300 people have been evacuated from the Heron Island resort off central Queensland after a power generator caught fire.

The fire, which broke out on Christmas night in a generator room, affected the luxury resort's water and sanitation systems.

A resort spokesperson told the ABC that the fire was quickly put out by emergency services before it spread to other areas, but it destroyed the island's main power generator.

The spokesperson explained "that means we have no water or power or sanitation services."

As a result, guests and most of the resort staff were evacuated by ferry on Boxing Day.

The spokesperson added "all our guests are safe, that's the most important thing."

A skeleton staff crew has remained on the island to aid the fixing of the generators.

Heron Island is located on a natural coral cay 90 kilometres north-east of Gladstone.

For more information go to www.heronisland.com/

5th August 2009 - DELAWARE NORTH ACQUIRES AUSTRALIAN RESORTS