October 1, 2015
The Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) is urging Queenslanders to be on the alert with heightened fire conditions predicted in coming days.
RFSQ Director Operations Peter Varley said with a severe fire danger warning in place for north-west Queensland, and very high fire danger across many other areas of the State, fires that broke out would be fast moving and unpredictable.
“We have already seen increased fire activity in recent days in the central and northern parts of the State,” Mr Varley said.
“Residents should take extra care and be alert in coming days as a strengthening high pressure system over south-eastern Australia creates dry, gusty winds and dangerous fire conditions.
“Under these conditions, unattended or mismanaged fires may create sparks and cause fires to spread quickly, so we’re asking residents to be on the lookout and report any vegetation fires to Triple Zero immediately.
“The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Fire Investigation Unit and Queensland Police Service Arson Squad will be monitoring all fire developments to determine if any criminal or negligent actions are occurring.”
Mr Varley said landowners who had conducted hazard reduction burns recently were strongly encouraged to take immediate steps to ensure their fire had been properly extinguished.
“Landowners who have conducted burns must make sure residual fires are contained so that they will not escape,” he said.
Mr Varley said with fire activity ramping up across the State, it was crucial for residents to be responsible and prepare their homes and properties.
“People should never throw cigarette butts out of the car window and always be careful when operating machinery in grassed areas, particularly when we experience those heightened fire conditions,” he said.
“If they haven’t already, I urge residents to finalise their preparations and visit the RFSQ website to download a bushfire survival plan, so that no one is caught off guard.”
