Big Bash League game stopped as fire breaks out at the Gabba

An electrical fire at the Gabba forced a temporary halt to the Big Bash match between the Brisbane Heat and the Hobart Hurricanes. The game was paused at the end of the fourth over of the Hobart innings when a fire broke out in an entertainment area set up for a DJ.

The umpires suspended play, and Gabba staff immediately responded to the fire. They used fire extinguishers and fire blankets to bring the blaze under control. According to Fox Sports reporter Eloise Sohier, several fans had to be evacuated from the area in the packed Gabba stadium.

The DJ area was located directly above one of the stadium scoreboards, and smoke billowed out over the stands. Despite the mid-match disruption, the Hobart Hurricanes ultimately won the game by five wickets, successfully chasing down the Brisbane Heat's total of 6-201. Matthew Wade hit a six off Xavier Bartlett's bowling to win the game for the visitors with one ball remaining and the scores level.

Unexpected disruptions at the Gabba during sporting events are not uncommon. In March 2023, an Australian Rules football match between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons was forced to stop when a power outage plunged the stadium into darkness. Additionally, another fire broke out in the stands during halftime of a Lions match against Collingwood in 2015.