The fire that ravaged Fraser Island has finally been contained.Credit:Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
The heavy rainfall that has pummelled south-east Queensland over the past few days came as welcome respite for firefighters.
"We’re pleased to announce some good news for K’Gari[Fraser Island] residents today,"Queensland Fire and Emergency Services wrote on Facebook on Sunday.
"With the help of welcome rainfall and a massive response from crews,the fire is now contained and QFES is today handing back control of the fire to[the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service]."
Visitors have been banned from the island since late November.
Queensland's Opposition,as well as businesses,residents and tourists,have been critical of the state government's handling of the crisis,which LNP fire spokesman Dale Last said fell"well short of the mark".
Local rangers were battling the blaze alone for the first month until QFES firefighters were sent in to help once conditions worsened.
The specialist large air tanker,leased by the government for a $15 million five-year term in September,sat at its Bundaberg base until November 17.