November 15, 2014
Water bombing flights from Kingaroy Airport and a huge effort from teams of firefighters on the ground have contained a large bushfire which at one stage this evening was threatening homes south of Hivesville .
The fire broke out about 3:40pm near Ten Chain Road at Kinleymore.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued a “Watch and Act” alert message to local residents at 4:45pm, urging them to leave their homes immediately as the fire was large and moving quickly.
Water bombers began dropping loads onto the fire and by 6:15pm the immediate crisis had passed although fire crews were still working to contain the blaze.
At 7:20pm, QFES advised the fire was now contained but crews would remain on the scene overnight.
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The risk of dangerous fires breaking out in the region will increase tomorrow.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a “Severe Fire Danger” forecast for the Wide Bay Burnett for Sunday.
It says fires may be unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast-moving.
The Wildfire Alert Level (WAL) has also been lifted to WAL4 for the local area from midnight which means that where possible, rural fire crews will remain on standby.
A local fire ban will also start at midnight.
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Earlier Today:
Issued 7:20pm
Fire crews remain on scene at a large bushfire burning along Ten Chain Road near Hivesville.
The fire, which broke out around 3:40pm, is now contained.
Local crews will remain on scene throughout the night and more crews will return in the morning to monitor the blaze.
Water bombing operations have ceased and there is no threat to property at this time.
However, residents in the area are asked to remain vigilant, keep up-to-date with warnings and report any bushfires in the area.
They should close windows and doors and, if suffering from a respiratory condition, keep medications close by.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution and to conditions. Residents should call Triple Zero if they feel their property is under threat.
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Issued 6:15pm
QFES has cancelled the “watch and act” advice but says a large bushfire continues to burn near Ten Chain Road, Hivesville.
A number of fire crews remain on scene, working to contain the blaze which started about 3:40pm.
However, water bombing efforts have reduced the intensity of the fire, allowing ground crews to commence the construction of containment lines.
Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the evening.
Residents are asked to remain vigilant, keep up-to-date with warnings and call Triple Zero if they feel their property is under threat. Motorists are urged to drive to conditions and with caution.
Residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:
- Putting on protective clothing;
- Drinking lots of water;
- Moving car/s to a safe location;
- Closing windows and doors and shutting blinds;
- Bringing pets inside, restraining them (leash, cage or secure room) and providing water;
- Wetting down fine fuels close to buildings;
- Removing garden furniture, doormats and other items;
- Sealing all gaps under doors and screens;
- Filling containers with water – eg bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins;
- Having ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside);
- Having a generator or petrol-powered pump ready; and
- Checking and patrolling outside for embers, extinguishing any spot fires and seeking shelter as the fire front arrives.
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Issued 4:45pm
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has issued a “watch and act” message for a bushfire at Kinleymore near Hivesville.
QFES is advising residents in the vicinity of Ten Chain Road, Hivesville to enact their bushfire plans and prepare for a fire in their area.
If residents do not have a bushfire survival plan or their plan is to leave, they are advised to do so now.
At 4:45pm a large bushfire was located near Ten Chain Road, Hivesville.
The large fast-moving fire was travelling in a southerly direction and was expected to impact the areas near Ten Chain Road, Hivesville imminently.
The fire is moving quickly and is currently uncontrolled.
Spot fires are likely to start up to four kilometres ahead of the fire front and embers are also being thrown from the fire.
The fire is expected to impact on the Ten Chain Road, Hivesville community and some property may be lost. Power, water and mobile phone supplies may be lost in the area over the next several hours.
It will be very hot and windy and as the fire approaches it will become increasingly difficult to breathe.
Residents are strongly advised to leave now if they are able to do so. Leaving is the safest option for survival.
Well-prepared and defended homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.
Currently, a water bombing aircraft is on scene and multiple fire crews will work to contain the blaze but firefighters will not be able to protect every affected property and residents should not expect a firefighter at their door.
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero if their property comes under threat.
Residents who do not have a bushfire survival plan are advised to head into the Hivesville township.
Residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:
- Putting on protective clothing;
- Drinking lots of water;
- Moving car/s to a safe location;
- Closing windows and doors and shutting blinds;
- Bringing pets inside, restraining them (leash, cage or secure room) and providing water;
- Wetting down fine fuels close to buildings;
- Removing garden furniture, doormats and other items;
- Sealing all gaps under doors and screens;
- Filling containers with water – eg bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins;
- Having ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside);
- Having a generator or petrol powered pump ready; and
- Checking and patrolling outside for embers, extinguishing any spot fires and seeking shelter as the fire front arrives.
Regular updated information will be provided on the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) website at or by listening to local radio.
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