Dangerous Fire Conditions Ahead

Fire warning — Fire conditions are predicted to be severe in the South Burnett from Wednesday evening onwards … all existing permits to burn have been cancelled; no fires of any size (Photo: Stuart River RFB)

Local Fire Ban To Start At Midnight

QFES has imposed a local fire ban from midnight on Wednesday for residents in the South Burnett, Cherbourg, Gympie and North Burnett council areas.

The restrictions will be in place at least until midnight on Friday (November 11).

RFS Regional Manager Peter Hollier said near severe fire conditions meant the weather was perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.

“Under the local fire ban, all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled,” Mr Hollier said.

He said the following types of fires were permitted, 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 a local fire warden;

* Fires of commercial necessity, subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by the local Area Director of Rural Operations;

“Power tools may be used during the local fire ban however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start,” Mr Hollier said.

November 9, 2016

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is warning South and North Burnett residents to stay “ready and alert” with dangerous fire conditions predicted over the next few days.

RFS Assistant Commissioner Tom Dawson said with very high and severe fire danger forecast in some areas, fires that broke out would be fast moving and unpredictable.

“Residents, particularly those in the South and North Burnett, should take extra care and be alert in the coming days as warm temperatures combined with low humidity, minimal soil moisture and increased winds create dangerous fire conditions,” Mr Dawson said.

“Under these conditions, unattended or mismanaged fires could spread rapidly and become difficult to contain.

Mr Dawson said residents near Mundubbera area should be especially vigilant with a large fire burning in the area.

(This is the Beeron blaze).

“These fires are being closely monitored by firefighters, with strike teams and air operations at the ready,” he said.

With storms forecast in some areas for Wednesday afternoon and evening, Mr Dawson urged residents not to be complacent.

“These storms could bring gusty winds and dry lighting which could not only spark new fires but have the potential to cause problems at existing bushfires and for our firefighters,” he said.

“People should never throw cigarette butts out of the car window and avoid operating machinery in grassed areas during these dangerous conditions.”

Mr Dawson said landowners who had conducted hazard reduction burns recently should take immediate steps to ensure their fires had been properly extinguished.

“Residual fires must be contained so that they will not escape and any hazard reduction burns should be postponed until conditions are more suitable or there has been significant rainfall,” he said.

Mr Dawson said that with a number of fires already burning across the state, residents needed to stay up-to-date with current warnings by visiting the RFS website, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) social media pages or tuning in to local radio.

“If you do see a fire report it to Triple Zero (000) immediately,” he said.

Fire, Police