November 6, 2023
The local fire ban in the South and North Burnett, Cherbourg and Gympie council areas has been extended to 11:59pm next Monday (November 13).
The ban also covers the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast and Noosa local government areas.
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 for the duration of the ban.
Power tools may be used during a local fire ban 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.
NB. The local fire ban in the Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa and Balonne Local Government Areas was cancelled at 9:45am on Sunday (November 5).
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Editorial comment: The two announcements by QFES – one on Sunday and one on Monday – mean it is now legal for residents in Yarraman (TRC) to light a fire with a permit, but fire permits have been cancelled in the towns on either side, ie. Nanango and Blackbutt (SBRC). Likewise, some Bunya Mountains residents (WDRC) could seek permits, while those on the SBRC side of the mountains can’t. This seems crazy although, of course, it would be up to the local Fire Warden to actually issue a permit. Despite the recent rain, we would suggest everyone in the local area should think twice about lighting fires, even if the Local Fire Ban has been lifted in your Council area.
