Fire torches 60 per cent of Stradbroke, but no lives lost Bushfire burning on Stradbroke Island, as seen from across Moreton Bay. Photo: Instagram Authorities have estimated 60 per cent of North Stradbroke Island has been destroyed by a bushfire sparked by lightning a week ago. But with no lives or property lost, firefighters battling the blaze in potentially catastrophic heat have won widespread praise. Thick smoke continues to blanket the area, as well as the Sunshine Coast, South Burnett and Southern Moreton Bay Island. One of the Stradbroke Island power poles that will need to be replaced by Energex. Photo: Energex On Sunday an elderly Russian tourist was evacuated by air ambulance from South Stradbroke Island due to smoke inhalation. Hazy conditions are also expected to continue in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Queensland Fire and Emergency Service has advised backburning operations on Sunday would intensify smoke haze. It is expected an anticpated northerly wind change about midnight will further shroud Brisbane in smoke on Monday, as well as potentially blowing ash to areas north of the city. Residents of Southern Moreton Bay Island have also advised to be vigilant, with flying embers sparking at least two spot fires. No properties are under immediate threat from the North Stradbroke fire but four further backburning operations are expected to continue through the night around the township of Dunwich, on the island's west coast. Conditions escalated late on Saturday as much of Queensland sweltered through intense heat. An emergency warning was issued at 8.15pm but was cancelled five hours later after residents of Gatumba Street and Beehive Road in Myora were evacuated from their homes. More than 300 people registered at the Dunwich evacuation centre on Saturday. The fire threat is still yet to ease and North Stradbroke councillor Craig Ogilvie said further community meetings were held on Sunday. More are planned for Monday morning. Cr Beard praised the work of fire service officers, who protected homes, and police, SES, Council and all other agencies who helped evacuate some residents around Myora last night. "If it were not for the incredible efforts of firefighters on Friday night and last night there may have been a very different outcome to what we have today," he said. Approximately 70 per cent of the island is without power and Energex is working to restore electricity to residents of Amity Point. East Coast Road, which connects the townships of Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout, reopened on Sunday morning after being closed due to smoke. Authorities have advised non-essential travel to the island be deferred. Residents have been advised to close their windows and doors and motorists have been advised to drive to conditions.