September 28, 2017
At 6:15pm
The previous bushfire warning for Glen Esk has been downgraded.
QFES has advised residents to keep up to date and decide what actions to take if the situation changes.
At 6:15pm, the bushfire was travelling towards Gregor Road, Glen Esk.
Fire crews will work into the night to contain the fire by backburning and strengthening containment lines.
At 5:40pm
Fire crews are at a second bushfire in the Esk region, burning near Gatton Esk Road, South Esk.
This fire broke out about 1:00pm and is now under control.
It is posing no threat to property at this time. Crews are blackening out areas around the fire and will remain at the scene overnight to monitor.
South Esk residents may be affected by a smoke haze.
* * *
At 4:20pm
The QFES has warned that the bushfire burning along the Brisbane Valley Highway at Glen Esk could get worse.
At 4:20pm, a fast moving and unpredictable fire was travelling from Gregor Road, Glen Esk, in a south-easterly direction along the Brisbane Valley Highway towards Paddy Gully Road.
The fire was expected to affect Gregor Road.
A helicopter has been brought in to drop loads of water along the fire front.
“You need to be ready to follow your bushfire survival plan,” a QFES spokesman warned local residents.
“If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly.
“Fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door,” the spokesman said.
“People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
“Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe your property is under threat.”
The next update will be provided by 6:20pm or if the situation changes.
* * *
Earlier:
A fast-moving bushfire is burning on both sides of the Brisbane Valley Highway, two to five kilometres kilometres south of Esk and is travelling in a south-south-easterly direction.
There is smoke over the Brisbane Valley Highway, reducing visibility and air quality.
Motorists should drive to conditions and be mindful of firefighters operating in the area.
* * *
Multiple fire crews have been called to a grass fire burning near Gympie-Woolooga Road and O’Donnell Road, Widgee.
Firefighters were working to contain the fire, which broke out about 3:00pm on Thursday.
A QFES spokesman said there was no threat to property however smoke was affecting the surrounding area.
UPDATE 4:10pm: The Widgee fire is now contained and is burning within containment lines.
[UPDATED]
