Long Bushfire Season Ahead

A dense pall of smoke and flames from Sunday’s fire at Gordonbrook

August 13, 2018

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford has warned that Queensland is in for a long bushfire season, following 230 fires recorded at the weekend.

Mr Crawford said hard-working personnel from Rural Fire Brigades, the Fire and Rescue Service, supported by SES volunteers, combined to battle the blazes.

“Apart from the tremendous work of all involved, the weekend was a clear sign the fire season is about four to six weeks ahead of schedule,” Mr Crawford said.

“We have more fuel on the ground than we’ve seen in a long time and soil moisture is extremely low with no immediate rain forecast.

“We are talking about conditions very different to what we would normally experience at this time of year – conditions we haven’t seen for some time, and conditions conducive to the rapid spread of fire.”

In the North Coast Region – which includes the South Burnett – there were 39 fires.

In the South Eastern Region, there were 67 as well as 14 in the South Western Region; 29 in the Northern Region; 25 in the Central Region, 34 in the Brisbane region and 22 in the Far North.

“One firefighter suffered from heat stress at Fernvale and one firefighter suffered minor burns at Linville,” Mr Crawford said.

“Structural and vehicle losses included an old cottage, two sheds, five vehicles, a truck and a caravan.

“Six WATCH and ACT messages were issued by QFES at Tallengala, Mutdapilly and Ballandean, and air support was utilised for observation, mapping and water bombing.”

Mr Crawford said the combination of prolonged dry conditions and high fuel loads meant the state was at risk of a long, active bushfire season.

“It’s very dry out there and we need the public to be vigilant, ready to act and monitor the situation,” he said.

“The weekend was just an example of the conditions we can regularly expect to see in coming months, particularly in western areas such as the Ipswich, Somerset, Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley regions.

“I’m asking residents to finalise their bushfire survival plans, including contingencies for pets and livestock should fire threaten their area.”

Mr Crawford urged people to report any sign of fire to Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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LOCAL FIRE UPDATE

At 11:30am

Firefighters were called to a fire near Oakdean Road and West Wooroolin Road, at Wooroolin.

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At 9:30am:

Firefighters are continuing to monitor a fire burning near Parishs Road, Okeden. The fire is burning within containment lines and posing no threat to property at this time.

Multiple fire crews remain at a bushfire burning in the vicinity of Sandy Creek Road and Mount Stanley Road, Linville.

The fire is burning in inaccessible land and is posing no threat to property at this time. Crews will continue to monitor the area throughout the day.

Multiple fire crews are at a grass fire burning near Ballard Road, Imbil. This fire broke out on Sunday and is burning in inaccessible land. It is posing no threat to property at this time.

Firefighters are working to control the blaze by conducting backburning operations. Imbil residents will be affected by a smoke haze throughout the day.