October 7, 2013
Workmen using cutting equipment are believed to have accidentally sparked a large grass fire at Memerambi this morning which sent clouds of smoke billowing across the Bunya Highway.
The fire, which began about 11:30am, was on the corner of Recreation Drive.
Rural fire crews from the Stuart River brigade quickly had the fire under control with the assistance of local residents and earthmoving equipment.
Other rural crews also helped to dampen down the area and monitor for spot fires.
Local fire controller Chris Behm said that with conditions the way they were today, fire fighters had been lucky the blaze had not been much worse.
He said it was a reminder for everyone to take extreme care during the current weather conditions.
“The slightest spark will start a fire as everything is so dry,” he said.
He expected the current conditions to extend for the next few days and appealed to everyone to be on alert.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a “Severe Fire Danger” alert for the Wide Bay Burnett.
Hot, dry air with fresh and gusty west to southwesterly winds are extending throughout southern and southeast Queensland today.
The Bureau alert notes that any fires that start may be unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast-moving.
Rural Fire Services Queensland Assistant Commissioner Neil Gallant said a trough moving across the State had brought high temperatures, low humidity and strong gusty winds, resulting in perfect conditions for fires to spark and spread quickly.
“These conditions also make it difficult to contain vegetation fires, so we’re asking residents to take extra care and be alert,” he said.
Mr Gallant said property owners who had recently conducted burns should make sure they were completely extinguished.
“We are also asking landowners to consider delaying operating machinery that can cause sparks during these weather conditions,” he said.
“Also, motorists need to ensure they do not throw cigarette butts out of car windows.”
Mr Gallant said it was also crucial residents make sure they were doing all they could to prepare their homes and properties.
“If they haven’t already, I urge residents to finalise preparations on their property.”
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UPDATE: Firefighters were also called to fires at Goodger and Kingaroy today which threatened property.
At Buttsworth Road, Goodger, rural brigades were called about 4:30pm to a grass fire which destroyed machinery and vehicles.
About the same time, firefighters were called to a grass fire near Harris Road and Silky Oak Drive, Kingaroy.
