November 25, 2016
At 5:00pm:
Eight Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews remain at a large bushfire burning north-east of Fernvale.
There is no threat to property at this time.
Firefighters will remain on scene overnight to ensure the fire remains within containment lines.
A QFES spokesman said burning trees may be more visible at night and smoke may affect the surrounding area.
* * *
At 2:00pm:
Currently 17 fire crews are working with aerial support to contain the blaze, burning near Fernvale.
There is no threat to homes at this time.
Firefighters are continuing backburning operations in the area. Due to current weather conditions, residents may notice an increase in flames and smoke during these operations, but are reminded that the fire is burning within containment lines.
This fire is expected to burn for a number of days and residents are advised to stay up to date with warnings.
Due to today’s predicted weather conditions, heavy smoke may affect the England Creek Road area throughout the day. Surrounding areas may also be affected.
Residents are advised that a community information centre has been established at Fernvale Rural Fire Station, Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale. This will remain open to residents throughout the day.
* * *
At 11:00am:
Multiple fire crews are still working to contain the blaze near Fernvale.
Firefighters have commenced backburning operations in the area. Residents may notice an increase in flames and smoke during these operations, but are reminded the fire is burning within containment lines and there is no threat to homes at this time.
* * *
At 7:00am:
A large bushfire is still burning north-east of Fernvale. Currently, multiple fire crews are working to contain the blaze, which broke out on Thursday.
A QFES spokesperson said there was no threat to homes at this time.
QFES is working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Somerset Regional Council.
Firefighters will be conducting back-burning operations.
This fire is expected to burn for a number of days and residents have been advised to stay up to date with warnings.
Due to Friday’s weather conditions, heavy smoke may affect the England Creek Road area throughout the day. Surrounding areas may also be affected.
A community information centre has been established at Fernvale Fire Station, Brisbane Valley Highway. This will remain open to residents throughout the day.
* * *
Thursday, at 7:00pm:
About 40 fire crews are working to contain a large blaze near Fernvale.
There is no threat to homes at this time but the fire is expected to burn for a number of days and residents have been advised to stay up to date with warnings.
Heavy smoke is affecting Fernvale and the Banks Creek and Long Gully Road area.
Weather conditions on Friday are expected to push the fire in a south-westerly direction, causing increased smoke in the Fernvale township.
* * *
At 5:00pm:
QFES advised that four aircraft and 19 fire crews were working to contain the Fernvale blaze, which broke out on Thursday morning.
There is no threat to homes at this time.
QFES is working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the local council.
Firefighters will remain on scene overnight and into Friday.
This fire is expected to burn for a number of days and residents are advised to stay up-to-date with warnings.
Heavy smoke is affecting Fernvale and the Banks Creek area.
* * *
Earlier:
A large, fast-moving fire is burning three to four kilometres east of Fernvale.
QFES has advised residents in the vicinity of Banks Creek Road and Knox Road to start enacting their bushfire plans and prepare for a bushfire in their area.
The fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction and is expected to impact Banks Creek Road and Knox Road from about 5:30pm to 9:30pm (Thursday).
A QFES spokesman said the fire was moving quickly and firefighters were experiencing difficulty in controlling it.
Spot fires might occur ahead of the fire front and embers were also being thrown from the fire.
“Residents are strongly advised to be prepared to relocate to a safer area if required. Leaving is the safest option for survival in a bushfire,” the QFES spokesman said.
“Well prepared homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.
“Fifteen fire crews are working 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 (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 the 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.
