(Photo: ABC-TV)
September 20, 2018
A large and fast-moving fire which broke out near Toogoolawah early on Thursday afternoon led to the closure of the Brisbane Valley Highway.
QFES issued a series of “Leave Now” alerts to residents in the Cressbrook, Lower Cressbrook, Mount Beppo, Fulham Vale and Caboonbah areas as the wind whipped up the flames.
ABC-TV aerial video footage from the fire appears to show at least one large building and smaller sheds destroyed by the fire.
QAS has also confirmed properties have been lost.
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UPDATE: 6:00pm Friday
STAY INFORMED: Mount Beppo/Cressbrook/Somerset (formerly Toogoolawah) bushfire
Bushfire warning level: ADVICE
At 6:00pm, the fire was burning east of the Brisbane Valley Highway, near Mount Beppo Road, Mount Beppo, Cressbrook-Caboonbah Road, Cressbrook and in the vicinity of Lower Cressbrook.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Crews will monitor the fire throughout the day and will be conducting backburning operations in the area.
Motorists are asked to be mindful of fire crews and SES members who will be working in the area.
Properties are not under direct threat at this time.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.
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EARLIER:
UPDATE: 10:20pm Thursday
STAY INFORMED: Mount Beppo/Cressbrook/Somerset (formerly Toogoolawah) bushfire
Bushfire warning level: ADVICE
At 10:20pm, the fire is burning east of the Brisbane Valley Highway, near Mount Beppo Road, Mount Beppo, Cressbrook Caboonbah Road, Cressbrook and in the vicinity Lower Cressbrook
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Crews will monitor the fire throughout the night.
Properties are not under direct threat at this time. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.
The next update will be provided when the situation changes.
* * *
UPDATE: 8:00pm Thursday
LEAVE NOW: Mount Beppo/Cressbrook/Somerset (formerly Toogoolawah) bushfire
Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT
At 8:00pm, a large and fast-moving fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction from an area near the Brisbane Valley Highway and Angledale Lane towards the Somerset Dam region.
It is expected to impact the areas of Cressbrook, Lower Cressbrook, Mount Beppo, Fulham Vale and Caboonbah.
The Brisbane Valley Highway has been closed between Esk and Toogoolawah. Residents are able to leave the area via the highway north of Toogoolawah.
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.
Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
The next update will be provided by 10:00pm or if the situation changes.
* * *
UPDATE: 5:45pm Thursday
LEAVE NOW: Mount Beppo/Cressbrook/Somerset (formerly Toogoolawah) bushfire
Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT
QFES advises there is a bushfire in Mount Beppo, Cressbrook and Somerset and conditions are getting worse.
Follow your bushfire survival plan now.
If you do not have a plan, your safest option is to leave now if it is clear to do so. If you are not in the area, do not return, as conditions are too dangerous.
At 5:45pm, large and fast-moving fire is travelling in an easterly direction from the area near the Brisbane Valley Highway and Angledale Lane towards the Somerset Dam region.
It is expected to impact the areas of Cressbrook, Lower Cressbrook, Mount Beppo, Fulham Vale and Caboonbah.
The Brisbane Valley Highway has been closed between Esk and Toogoolawah.
Residents are able to leave the area via the highway north of Toogoolawah.
Waterbombing operations are being conducted in the area.
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.
Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.
The next update will be provided by 7:45pm or if the situation changes.
* * *
UPDATE 4:10pm Thursday
LEAVE NOW
Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT
A large and fast-moving fire is travelling in an easterly direction from the area near the Brisbane Valley Highway and Angledale Lane towards Old Mount Beppo Road near Toogoolawah.
It is expected to impact Old Mount Beppo Road, Hamiltons Lane and the areas of Cressbrook, Lower Cressbrook, Mount Beppo, Fulham Vale, Coal Creek and Caboonbah.
The Brisbane Valley Highway has been closed between Esk and Toogoolawah. Residents are able to leave the area via the highway north of Toogoolawah.
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. Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.
* * *
UPDATE: 4:00pm Thursday
LEAVE NOW
Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT
At 4:00pm Thursday, a large and fast-moving fire is travelling in an easterly direction from the area near the Brisbane Valley Highway and Angledale Lane towards Old Mount Beppo Road.
It is expected to impact Old Mount Beppo Road and Hamiltons Lane.
The Brisbane Valley Highway has been closed between Esk and Toogoolawah. Residents are able to leave the area via the highway north of Toogoolawah.
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.
Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.
* * *
UPDATE: 2:45pm Thursday
Heavy smoke from a bushfire burning near Morden Road and Brisbane Valley Highway at Toogoolawah is causing delays on the highway.
The fire was reported at 1:27pm, Thursday.
At 2:45pm, there were six fire units on the scene plus another nine on the way.
* * *
Meanwhile, a fire reported about noon to the QFES on Thursday has jumped the D’Aguilar Highway near Moore.
At 2:30pm, there were eight fire crews on scene with another four vehicles en route.
[UPDATED. Published earlier as “Leave Now Warning”]
