August 22, 2024
Two rural firefighters have suffered burns while fighting a grassfire near Maidenwell on Thursday afternoon.
A woman aged in her 60s was airlifted by the Toowoomba-based LifeFlight rescue helicopter to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with multiple burns.
The chopper, which was despatched about 3:30pm, landed on a private property near the incident.
Paramedics and a critical care doctor assisted the woman at the scene before the medevac.
A second volunteer, a male, was treated for minor burns at Kingaroy Hospital and has since been released.
A rural fire truck was destroyed in the incident.
A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson said the circumstances surrounding the incident would be investigated and SafeWork Queensland had been notified.
QFD Commissioner Steve Smith and RFSQ Acting Chief Officer Ben Millington spoke to family members on Thursday night.
“(We) extended our support, on behalf of the entire Queensland Fire Department and RFSQ,” Commissioner Smith said.
“Support is also being provided to their fellow, and neighbouring, brigade members.
“Our strong focus right now remains on the injured volunteer members and supporting their families and crew.”
Earlier on Thursday, the QFD issued an alert for the fire burning in the Maidenwell area.
At 2:52pm, the advice stated smoke was affecting Maidenwell and surrounding areas from a fire burning near Kingaroy-Cooyar Road.
At 6:00pm, 17 fire brigade vehicles were at the blaze; on Friday morning there were still four units at the fireground.
UPDATE 6:20pm, Friday: Ten fire units are currently fighting a blaze near McConnell Road (off Maidenwell-Upper Yarraman Road) at Maidenwell. There is still a smoke alert in place for the original fire on Kingaroy-Cooyar Road, although this fire is currently under control.
* * *
A second fire burning in the South Burnett on Thursday has been blamed for water discolouration in Kingaroy’s water supply.
A grass fire burning near Council’s water treatment plant damaged some valves on the rising main.
A Council spokesperson said the main had to be shut down and repaired during the night.
“This repair and re-charging of the water main has caused discolouration in parts of the water network,” the spokesperson said.
“Council crews are currently working to isolate the discoloured water and have commenced flushing of water mains.
“Whilst the water looks aesthetically displeasing, it is bacteriologically safe.”
Council workers are flushing the system at various hydrants around Kingaroy.
* * *
In the past two days, fires have been reported all around the South Burnett … at Taromeo, Cherbourg, Booie, Woolooga, Murgon, Boyneside, Wilkesdale and Glencoe as well as the fires at Maidenwell and Gordonbrook.
[UPDATED]
