September 13, 2017
A local fire ban is being imposed across south-east Queensland on Thursday as record dry conditions and intense winds heighten the risk of bushfires.
The 24-hour local fire ban will take effect from 12:01am until 11:59pm on Thursday, in the following local government areas:
- Brisbane City Council
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Redland City Council
- Ipswich City Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- City of Gold Coast
- Logan City Council
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
All residents in these local government areas will be prohibited from lighting a fire in the open, unless it is within a properly constructed barbecue.
Although the South Burnett Regional Council area and Toowoomba Regional Council area are NOT on this list, many local Fire Wardens have cancelled all fire permits due to the conditions.
Before lighting ANY fire over the next few days, check with your Fire Warden first.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Director of Rural Operations Superintendent James Haig said dangerous weather conditions have propelled the fire danger to very high and severe in some areas.
“Large pockets of south-east Queensland are experiencing some of the driest conditions in more than 20 years,” Mr Haig said.
“Throw in the prospect of extremely intense wind gusts of up to 75km/h (on Thursday) and we are looking at a significant bushfire risk over the next 24 hours.
“A fire that starts under these conditions has the potential to rapidly spread, threaten lives and properties and be difficult to contain.
“This is a major step but we are facing a serious situation at the moment.
“The ground is dry, our forests are stressed and fuel loads are up due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
“Let me be clear: residents need to be alert, prepared and stay informed in case a bushfire starts in their area.
“No part of Queensland is immune from bushfire this season.
“There have been more than 1,700 bushfires since the start of August, from Cape York to the Gold Coast and out west as well.
“All residents should take the time now to prepare their bushfire survival plan.”
