November 23, 2020
Fire crews battled to contain a large fire burning in rough terrain at Maidenwell on Monday.
The fire – which has flared up several times since it was first reported near Coomba Falls last week – burst into new life on Monday morning, sending plumes of smoke into the air and sparking alarm among some local residents.
Two fixed-wing waterbombers and two waterbombing helicopters (helitacks) were called in to target the blaze, which was spreading from Tanduringie Creek in inaccessible country.
They were joined by a spotter aircraft which was directing fire crews on the ground and in the air.
Heavy earthmoving equipment was used to clear firebreaks and strengthen containment lines.
At 1:00pm, there were still 23 fire crews at the incident with firefighters working to ensure the blaze did not get into the nearby forestry.
A QFES spokesperson said no properties were under threat.
By 6:00pm, the fire had been contained but patrols were planned well into the evening and would continue on Tuesday.
The total area burned since the fire started last week has been estimated at about 120ha.
The risk of fires in the Wide Bay Burnett and Darling Downs regions is currently listed as “Very High”, a situation that will remain in place at least until Tuesday.
Campers should be especially careful. Camp fires should not be left unattended and should be extinguished using water.
- Download: QFES Information Sheet – Campfire and Camping Safety (665kb PDF)
- Related article: Choppers Tackle Maidenwell Fire
[UPDATED]
This fire was not a case of spontaneous combustion nor was it caused by a fire-breathing dragon that escaped from Coomba Waterhole. it was caused by careless or deliberate action of some person. We must be grateful we have so many volunteers willing to give up their time in sweltering conditions to fight fires wherever they occur.