March 17, 2014
Firefighters are reminding residents that one spark from machinery, power tools or a cigarette butt could be enough to start a significant bushfire during the current dry conditions.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services North Coast Regional Manager Peter Hollier said with dry conditions continuing, a small fire had the potential to spread quickly.
“Many people don’t realise how extremely dry current conditions are across the South Burnett,” Mr Hollier said.
“Despite Autumn being a typically good time to burn off, with the current conditions we’re asking residents to hold off on any burns they have planned and take extreme care when using power tools and machinery.
“If you have to use machinery during these dry conditions, QFES also recommends having someone available, other than just the tool operator, to watch closely for ignitions which may occur. People could be liable for any damage which a fire may cause.
“While undertaking any activity that may spark a fire, members of the community need to ensure they have appropriate resources to put out a fire if one starts.”
Mr Hollier also reminded motorists of the dangers of flicking cigarette butts outside car windows.
“Cigarette butts are one of the major causes of dangerous roadside fires which can be avoided if people don’t throw cigarette butts from their cars,” he said.
“Smoke haze caused by these fires can cause serious accidents particularly on the highway when people are travelling at high speed.
“Every cigarette butt flicked out the car window has the potential to cause a life-threatening fire for not only fellow motorists but emergency crews who are called to attend to a situation which could have been avoided.”
