August 13, 2023
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services downgraded the bushfire warning to Maidenwell residents at 12:41pm on Sunday (August 13).
After earlier warning residents to prepare to leave, it updated its advice to STAY INFORMED.
QFES said there was no immediate danger, but residents should stay informed as conditions could change.
At 1:00pm, there were 15 fire crews at the incident.
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EARLIER:
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued a PREPARE TO LEAVE bushfire warning to Maidenwell residents at 11:20am on Sunday (August 13).
At noon, 12 fire crews were at the incident, and water bombers had been called in.
The warning applies to properties located between Kingaroy-Cooyar Road, the Tarong National Park and Upper Yarraman-Maidenwell Road.
The large, slow-moving fire is burning near Upper Yarraman-Maidenwell Road and Copper Creek, travelling towards Coomba Waterhole Road.
Coomba Falls recreation area has been evacuated.
QFES has warned that conditions could worsen quickly, and that properties are at risk.
Some roads in the area have been closed.
Please drive carefully and watch out for fire crews.
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From QFES at 11:20am, Sunday (August 13)
Warning level: WATCH AND ACT
Warning area: Properties between Kingaroy-Cooyar Road, Tarong National Park and Upper Yarraman-Maidenwell Road.
A large, slow-moving fire is burning near Upper Yarraman-Maidenwell Road and Copper Creek. It is travelling towards Coomba Waterhole Road, Maidenwell.
Conditions could get worse quickly, and QFES has warned that some properties are at risk.
Firefighters are working to contain the fire. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.
Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews.
If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
What you should do:
- If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.
- Prepare now so you can leave quickly if the bushfire gets close.
- Decide where you and the people you live with will go. This could be with family or a friend away from the fire. Plan how you will get there. Tell others where you will go.
- Charge mobile phones and power banks.
- Be ready to take your pets, pet food, pet lead or crate/carrier.
- Pack a bag with a mobile phone charger, enough clothes for five days, important documents (like ID, insurance papers, passports and photos), medicine, cash and keys.
- If you do not drive, call your support service, a family member or a friend to organise transport if you need to leave or want to leave.
- If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option.
- Avoid driving on Upper Yarraman-Maidenwell Road.
- Keep medications close by.
- Move flammable items away from your house if you can.
- Help others if it’s safe to do so.
- Watch out for firefighters working in the area.
- Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.
Stay informed:
- Check the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website regularly.
- Follow QFES on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
- Listen to your local radio station.
Impacts:
- Some properties are at risk.
- The fire is likely to impact the community later today.
- Smoke can make it hard for some people to breathe.
- Smoke can make it hard to see when you are driving.
- Burning embers may reach properties. Try to put them out quickly with water.
- Roads may be closed or impacted.
- Power, water, and mobile phone services may be impacted as the fire gets closer.
Further information:
- For all warnings, visit the QFES website
- Follow QFES on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
- For road closures, visit Qld Traffic or call 13-19-40.
Next update by 1:20pm or sooner if the situation changes.
[UPDATED Published originally as “Maidenwell Fire: Prepare To Leave”]
