UPDATE February 28: The Local Fire Ban has been extended until at least midnight on March 14.
February 16, 2023
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has imposed a local fire ban on the Western Downs Regional Council area.
This follows a number of serious fires across the Darling Downs over recent days which have drawn rural fire crews from across the region.
The local fire ban came into force at midnight on Wednesday.
It will also affect residents in the Goondiwindi, Maranoa and Balonne council areas.
The Fire Danger Rating for the region remains at high with weather conditions creating an environment for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.
Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled.
Power tools may be used however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start.
This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.
The ban is expected to remain in place until midnight on Tuesday, February 28.
