January 20, 2013

A large low-intensity grass fire is currently burning on Stretton Drive, Teelah, north of Yarraman and Blackbutt.

An Emergency Services spokesman said six fire crews were at the scene and more crews were responding to the fire, which broke out about 7:10pm yesterday.

Firefighters are currently backburning in the area and establishing containment lines.

There is no immediate threat to property, however, if residents feel their property is under threat they should dial Triple Zero (000) immediately.

The blaze is causing a large volume of smoke. Motorists have been urged to drive with caution and to the conditions.

Residents in the area have been advised to close their windows and doors. People with respiratory illness should keep medication close by.

Emergency Services advises residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:

  • Put on protective clothing
  • Drink lots of water
  • Move car/s to a safe location
  • Close windows and doors and shut blinds
  • Bring pets inside and restrain them (leash, cage or secure room) and provide water
  • Wet down fine fuels close to buildings
  • Remove garden furniture, doormats and other items
  • Seal all gaps under doors and screens
  • Fill containers with water – eg bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins, etc
  • Have ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside)
  • Have generator or petrol pump ready
  • Check and patrol outside for embers and extinguish any spot fires
  • Seek shelter as the fire front arrives.

UPDATE 4:45pm: The Teelah fire is now burning safely within containment lines and only one fire crew is still on site, patrolling and monitoring the area. The fire is expected to burn for a number of days.

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Fire crews are also continuing to monitor fires burning at Cherbourg Road, Charlestown, and Shamrock Road, Black Snake.

The Charlestown fire broke out in a forestry area on Friday afternoon and had been contained, but a fire crew was recalled to the site this afternoon after smoke was reported by local residents.

The Black Snake fire, south of Kilkivan, has been burning in remote country since January 11. Queensland Parks and Wildlife staff are monitoring the fire which is within containment lines.