August 17, 2018
Houses came under threat on the outskirts of Kingaroy on Friday afternoon from a fast-moving bushfire which broke out about 2:25pm near Curtis and Schellbachs roads.
A helicopter was called in to drop loads of water on the fire while multiple rural and urban fire crews worked to protect properties as winds whipped up the flames.
At one point the fire was burning on both the eastern and western sides of Schellbachs Road.
It is believed to have been accidentally started by a spark from a vehicle on a Curtis Road property.
Local property owners joined in the fight with tractors and other earthmoving equipment, while water tankers rushed to keep up a supply of water to fire crews.
An incident control point was set up on the corner of Curtis and Schellbachs roads.
Police and SES volunteers blocked traffic from accessing the area while 22 fire crews battled the blaze.
Rural crews were called in from as far away as Tablelands, Mt McEuen, Maidenwell and South Nanango to assist with containing the fire.
At 5:55pm, there were still 20 fire crews on the scene, including seven urban units, plus QFES support staff.
A QFES spokesman said firefighters were working to put in containment lines.
The helicopter continued to drop loads of water until night fell.
Earlier, QFES issued a “Watch and Act” alert at 3:10pm for the fire, warning conditions could get worse.
“You need to be ready to follow your bushfire survival plan. 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,” the alert said.
“A swift moving fire is travelling in a northerly direction towards Haydens Road and North Branch Road, Kingaroy. The fire is likely to impact Haydens Road.
“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.”
By 5:10pm, the warning level had been downgraded to “Advice”, with the fire burning to the east of Schellbachs Road.
[UPDATED]
