Burning grass has caused a hazy start to Schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast, after a fire sparked the evacuation of Sea World and created a thick smoke haze.
Thirteen crews spent about five hours bringing the grass fire at The Spit under control, after it began about 9.40am (AEST).
Sea World and nearby Gold Coast beaches were evacuated for about an hour, and police told beachgoers they had no time to grab their belongings from their vehicles.
Helicopters were also called in to conduct water-bombing.
The fire was deemed under control about 2.00pm (AEST), Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said in a statement.
School leavers at Surfers Paradise and other tourists have captured images of the thick smoke.
Police have revoked an earlier emergent situation declaration issued for the area between the northern end of Macarthur Parade, Main Beach, and The Spit.
However, QFES has urged residents near the fire to keep their windows and doors closed until the smoke clears.
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