Firefighters Act Fast to Save Lives in Virginia Blaze

In a daring operation on Wednesday night, emergency crews saved a mobility-impaired woman from her burning Virginia home, just minutes from Nundah’s town centre.


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Rescue through walls

At 9:14 p.m., a fire erupted in a single-storey residence on Jefferis Street, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Twenty-five firefighters arrived to find the home engulfed in flames, with the woman trapped at the rear of the property.

In an extraordinary act of quick thinking, rescue crews cut through an external wall to reach the trapped resident. This unconventional method proved successful, though the operation came at a cost: several Queensland Police officers sustained injuries while assisting with the evacuation.

Injuries and investigation at the Virginia site

The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene before being transported to Prince Charles Hospital. Multiple police officers also required medical attention after their heroic efforts during the rescue.

Although firefighters extinguished the blaze by 9:33 p.m., the incident has taken a serious turn as investigators have declared the fire suspicious. Police have established a crime scene, and investigations into its cause are underway.


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Second incident south of brisbane

On the same evening, emergency services responded to another structure fire in Brisbane’s south. Just minutes before the Virginia incident, firefighters contained a blaze at an abandoned brick building on Laxton Road, Pallara. That fire was successfully extinguished by 9:50 p.m.

The proximity of these incidents has raised concerns among local residents, although authorities have not suggested any connection between the two fires.

Published 08-December-2024

Nundah Shopping Centre Incident Sparks Increased Police Patrols Across North Brisbane

Nundah and other areas in North Brisbane will see heightened police presence under a new initiative dubbed Operation Whiskey Dolma.



This heightened police presence comes after a concerning incident at a Nundah shopping centre on Monday, 15th of April 2024.

Photo Credit: Youtube/ Queensland Police Service

Just after 10:30 a.m., reports emerged of a young male allegedly wielding a knife and threatening another individual. The police swiftly responded to the situation, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the weapon without further incident. 

A 16-year-old from Zillmere now faces charges of going armed to cause fear and possessing dangerous drugs after his appearance on the 19th of April at the Brisbane Children’s Court.

“Operation Whiskey Dolma reflects our commitment to maintaining community safety and public confidence,” declared a spokesperson for the Queensland Police Service. “Highly visible patrols will be deployed across shopping centres, with a focus on deterring criminal activity and ensuring a sense of security for residents.”

Photo Credit: Youtube/ Queensland Police Service

The initiative will encompass increased police presence at major transportation hubs in Chermside, Stafford, Nundah, and Northgate. This includes proactive “wanding operations” authorised under Jack’s Law, which empowers officers to conduct weapon searches on public transport and designated areas.

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Emergency situations require dialing 000, while non-urgent concerns can be reported through the Queensland Police Service website or by calling Policelink at 131 444.



Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting their website.

Published Date 21-April-2024