November 24, 2014
A large fire burning along a valley north of Blackbutt prompted a “watch and act” alert from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services this afternoon, meaning there was a real risk that property could be lost.
UPDATE 8:00pm: The “watch and act” alert has been cancelled and an “advice” message has been issued (see below).
The fire is believed to have started accidentally behind a house in Stretton Drive at Teelah about 11:15am.
The fire quickly spread into a deep valley between Stretton Drive and Scott Close, branching out in different directions as the wind shifted.
Rural and urban firefighters were called in from all over the South Burnett, from as far away at Mt McEuen and the Bunya Mountains.
Firefighters were concerned the blaze could rush up the sides of the valley, threatening houses along the ridges.
Crews were positioned at strategic points along both sides of the valley to keep the fire away from homes and other structures.
South Burnett Air Services’ two water bombers dropped repeated loads of water on the blaze.
Firefighters will remain at the scene overnight to conduct backburning and strengthen containment lines.
[UPDATED]
“Advice Message” Issued 8:00pm
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services says that at 7:45pm, a large bushfire was still burning in the vicinity of Stretton Drive, Scott Close and Wild Deer Drive, Teelah.
Multiple fire crews are working to contain the blaze, which broke out around 11:15am today. There is no threat to homes at this time.
Fire crews will remain on scene overnight strengthening containment lines and conducting backburning operations.
Due to the heavy smoke in the area, motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and be mindful of emergency services personnel operating in the area.
Sightseers are requested to avoid the area as your presence will impede on firefighting operations.
* * *
Update 4:55pm
Heavy earth-moving machinery has been brought in to construct fire breaks.
One fire break has been built between Stretton Drive and Scott Close.
Crews are now working on a second fire break south of Scott Close.
* * *
Update 4:15pm
The fire, which started in Stretton Drive, is believed to have been sparked by a vehicle’s hot exhaust pipe.
It spread to a large valley behind houses.
Urban and rural fire crews are working to contain the blaze and prevent it running up the valley sides, where houses along the ridges could come under threat.
Two water bombers – assisted by a fire spotter – have just completed their second runs. They are concentrating their efforts on the fire’s south-west corner.
Some residents have been seen removing livestock and pets from the area.
* * *
“Watch & Act” Issued 4:00pm
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is advising residents in the vicinity of Teelah to enact their bushfire plan.
The large bushfire is travelling in a south-easterly direction and is currently impacting the areas of Stretton Drive, Scott Close and Wild Deer Drive.
This fire is moving quickly and firefighters are experiencing difficulty in controlling it. Firefighters are conducting structural protection for a number of homes. Water bombing and observation aircraft are assisting in fighting the blaze. Spot fires may occur ahead of the fire front and embers are also being thrown from the fire.
The fire is expected to impact on the Teelah community and there is a chance that 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 may become increasingly difficult to see, hear or breathe.
Residents are strongly advised to leave now if their plan is to do so or if they don’t have a plan. Leaving is the safest option for survival.
Well prepared and defended homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.
Currently, 18 fire crews are working to contain the blaze however 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 (000) if their property comes under threat.
* * *
Update 3:30pm
Aerial water bombers have been called in and have dumped water on the fire.
Queensland Ambulance reports they have two crews on stand-by in the area, but there have been no incidents requiring emergency medical assistance at the present time.
* * *
“Watch & Act” Issued 2:00pm
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is advising residents in the vicinity of Teelah to enact their bushfire plan.
At 1:45pm a large, fast-moving bushfire was located at Teelah.
The fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction and is expected to impact the areas of Stretton Drive, Scott Close and Wild Deer Drive between 2:30pm and 3:00pm.
[PLEASE NOTE UPDATED TIMES]
This fire is moving quickly and firefighters are experiencing difficulty in controlling it.
Spot fires may occur ahead of the fire front and embers are also being thrown from the fire.
The fire is expected to impact on the Teelah community and there is a chance that 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 may become increasingly difficult to see, hear or breathe.
Residents are strongly advised to leave now if their plan is to do so or if they don’t have a plan. Leaving is the safest option for survival.
Well prepared and defended homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.
Currently, 13 fire crews are working to contain the blaze with a further nine on the way 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 (000) if their property comes under threat.
* * *
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 www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or by listening to local radio.
