November 5, 2013
The total fire ban which was set to expire at midnight tomorrow night has been extended to November 20.
The ban covers the Gympie, North Burnett and Cherbourg council areas, and the former Murgon and Wondai shires in the South Burnett.
Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) Regional Manager Peter Hollier said current conditions meant bushfires had the potential to ignite and spread quickly, threatening properties and lives.
“Under a total fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled, excluding seasonal permits in place for cane farmers,” Mr Hollier said.
Mr Hollier said the following types of fires were permitted during a total fire ban, providing conditions were followed:
- Fires within a properly constructed barbecue (gas or electric) if not left unattended;
- Fires for the purpose of disposing of animal carcasses subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by your local Fire Warden;
- Fires of commercial necessity subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by your local RFSQ Area Director
“Power tools may be used during a total fire ban however the RFSQ encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start,” he said.
“This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.”
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Smoke that has been affecting Kingaroy this afternoon has been coming from a permit burn on Kingaroy-Barkers Creek Road.
- Related article: Fire Bans Ordered
