December 3, 2012
Firefighters are bracing for what is anticipated to be the most dangerous fire conditions seen so far this bushfire season.
Rising fire dangers are predicted from tomorrow with sustained heat combined with a reduction in humidity.
Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the conditions would result in severe to extreme fire danger.
“Approximately two-thirds of the State, south to the NSW border, west to the Northern Territory Border, east to the coastline and as far north as Charters Towers will be impacted from tomorrow,” Mr Dempsey said.
“While currently there are no fires posing immediate threat to life and property, prevention will be the key over the coming days.
“The messages are clear – prepare now, don’t light fires as conditions are far too dangerous, use extreme caution with power tools, slashers and other types of machinery and ensure all fires are fully extinguished.
“If they haven’t done so already residents should also become familiar with their bushfire survival plan and the types of warnings they may receive in the event of a bushfire.”
QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson said fire permits had already been suspended across parts of the State.
“Residents who have obtained a Permit to Burn should defer any burning to a more suitable time as conditions are far too risky. I urge everyone in the affected areas to monitor the rural fire website and make contact with their local fire wardens to determine if fire bans apply to them,” Mr Johnson said.
“Additional resources have also been mustered across the State to respond to potential fires.
“A strike team from Toowoomba arrived in Roma yesterday and incident control points have been established in Warwick, Dalby and Roma. Six water bombers and two aerial support aircrafts are also positioned across various parts of south-western Queensland.”
QFRS Acting Manager of Rural Operations for South East Region Fergus Adrian said people who had completed hazard reduction burns recently, or had any fires on their properties, should make sure the fire was completely out so the wind does not pick up embers and cause fires further afield.
“Be particularly careful when using machinery in case sparks start a fire and don’t throw cigarette butts out of windows,” he said.
“These are extreme conditions and they make fighting fires very challenging. Prevention is the key.”
Mr Adrian advised residents to prepare their properties and familiarise themselves with their bushfire survival plan.
He said any fires this week were likely to be difficult to extinguish and cause large amounts of smoke.
“While green grass is visible in the south-east, there is still an under layer of dry, dead grass that will cause a lot of smoke when lit,” Mr Adrian said.
“We ask motorists to be cautious when driving near fire or through smoke and be aware of firefighters working in the area.
“If you suffer from respiratory illnesses, keep your medication close by.”
Mr Adrian also reminded residents to ring Triple Zero immediately when they saw an unattended fire, rather than contacting local stations directly.
“Ringing Triple Zero will ensure your inquiry is attended to quickly and allow firefighters to focus on operational matters,” he said.
