September 22, 2026
The fire alert in Teelah was lowered to “STAY PREPARED” (see below) at 6:26pm on Tuesday evening after a day of high drama in the rural locality north of Blackbutt.
The fire, which originally broke out on Monday, flared up overnight prompting the Queensland Fire Department to issue an emergency “SEEK SHELTER NOW” warning to Teelah residents at 10:24am on Tuesday morning, with the warning renewed at 12:27pm and at 3:19pm.
The SEEK SHELTER NOW alert, for residents in Stretton Drive and Scott Close, warned that it was too late to leave.
“PREPARE TO LEAVE” warnings were also issued during the day for residents in the nearby Old Esk Road and Wild Deer Drive.
Automatic warning messages were sent to some mobile phones in the area, although coverage in the emergency zone was unreliable.
Early reports suggested one house could have been lost in the blaze, but this was later clarified to have been a caravan.
A QAS spokesperson told southburnett.com.au that paramedics had attended the scene – and were on standby elsewhere because of the number of fire crews – but there were no reports of injuries.
At 1:30pm, there were 32 fire units in action including waterbombers and associated aircraft assisting firefighters on the ground.
At 7:15pm, there were still 21 units at the incident, many travelling from far outside the South Burnett region.
On Tuesday afternoon, the South Burnett Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) moved to Stand Up status after earlier being in the preparatory “Lean Forward” stage.
The LDMG urged the community to remain calm, stay safe and, if anyone required to leave their property, they should go to family and friends in the first instance.
They also advised that a place of refuge would be available in the Blackbutt Memorial Hall until 10:00pm on Tuesday night.
Residents were invited to go to the hall if they required assistance or further information.
[Earlier, we published information about an Evacuation Centre at the Blackbutt Showgrounds, originally shared by the Showgrounds, but this was incorrect.]
An Ergon Energy spokesperson said Ergon crews were continuing to restore power in the Blackbutt / Teelah areas alongside emergency services.
At 4:30pm, about two-thirds of affected customers already had power restored, with the active fire zone remaining isolated for safety.
“The terrain is steep and rocky, which may make reconstruction and restoration work tricky. Crews are hoping to regain full access to the area (on Wednesday) and, with a bit of luck, not find any additional damage to the network,” the spokesperson said.
“If conditions are good, we aim to restore power to all remaining customers by tomorrow night. If fire activity, unfavourable conditions or access restrictions continue, restoration may be delayed. We ask for your understanding and patience as safety always comes first.”
- For current fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire Department website
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A series of other fires were burning around the South Burnett region on Tuesday:
Fire crews were called to Douglas Road and Ness Wilson Road at Googa Creek, near Blackbutt, about 9:00am. There were three fire crews in attendance at 10:30am but the incident was quickly brought under control.
On Tuesday evening, “AVOID SMOKE” alerts were still in place for the fire burning near Blackbutt Range Road at Emu Creek (near Mt Binga) and for the Old Esk Road fire at South-East Nanango, which burnt out areas near Oaky Creek Road, Hamilton Road and Muir Drive at the weekend.
The Emu Creek fire is expected to continue burning for days.
Related articles:
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STAY PREPARED – Teelah
Fire as at 6:26pm Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Warning Level: Watch and Act
Warning Area: Teelah
A dangerous fire is burning near Stretton Drive. If you want to leave there is a place of refuge at the Blackbutt Memorial Hall.
Stay prepared as the danger from this fire will continue for days. The fire could get worse quickly.
What you should do:
– If you are in danger, call Triple Zero (000) now.
– Check for warning updates often and listen to your local radio station.
– If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close. Smoke can make it hard to breathe.
– Stay prepared so you can leave quickly if the fire gets close.
– If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.
– Decide on a safe place to go. This may be to family or friends outside the warning area.
– Tell others where you will go.
– Plan how you will leave. Some roads may not be safe. You may need to drive a different way.
– If you are not prepared or find it hard to move quickly, your safest option is to leave early.
– Pack a bag with device chargers, clothes, important documents, medicine, lots of drinking water, cash and other important items.
– Be ready to take your pets, their food and supplies.
– Wear protective clothing that covers your skin.
– Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.
Impacts:
– Roads may be impacted by smoke. Smoke can make it hard to see when driving.
– Power, water, phone, and internet services may be impacted as the fire gets closer.
What firefighters are doing:
– Firefighters are working to control the fire.
– Backburning has been done to help control the fire.
More information:
– For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website.
– Follow the Queensland Fire Department on Facebook.
– For power information, go to the Ergon website.
This fire is expected to keep burning for days. Updates will be issued if the situation changes.
This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.
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EARLIER:
SEEK SHELTER NOW – Teelah
Fire as at 3:19pm Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Warning Level: Emergency
Warning Area: Stretton Drive and Scott Close
A very dangerous fire is burning near Stretton Drive. It is impacting Stretton Drive and Scott Close. SEEK SHELTER NOW to survive. It is too late to leave. There is a risk to lives and homes.
What you should do:
– If you are in danger, call Triple Zero (000) now.
– If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.
– Watch for embers and spot fires, including in the roof space. These may impact your home earlier than the main fire. Put them out quickly with water if it is safe.
– Protect yourself from heat and smoke. Wear protective clothing that covers your skin. If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close.
– If the fire is close to your house shelter in a safe place, preferably inside a brick building.
– Stay in a room with more than one exit.
– Close windows, doors and vents. Seal gaps with wet towels.
– Go to the opposite side from the approaching fire.
– As the fire passes, the safest place will change. Be ready to move quickly.
– Get as low as possible and cover yourself with a blanket as the fire front passes.
– If the fire is not at your house yet and if it is safe: Use hoses or sprinklers to soak the house and ground. Block downpipes at the top and fill gutters with water if you can. Move loose items away from around the house.
– Fill containers with lots of water for drinking and firefighting.
– Check for warning updates often and listen to your local radio station.
– Call someone to tell them where you are.
Impacts:
– Firefighters may not be able to stop the fire. Do not expect a firefighter at your door.
– Power, water, phone and internet services may stop working.
– Smoke will make it hard to see and breathe.
– It will be hot, loud and may get dark.
– You may be cut off from help.
More information:
– For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website.
– Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook.
– For power information, go to the Ergon website.
Next update by 2:27pm or sooner if the situation changes.
This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.
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EARLIER:
PREPARE TO LEAVE – Teelah
Fire as at 3:22pm Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Warning Level: Watch and Act
Warning Area: Old Esk Road and Wild Deer Drive
A dangerous fire is burning near Stretton Drive. It is moving towards Stretton Drive. Prepare to leave as the situation could get worse quickly.
What you should do:
– If you are in danger, call Triple Zero (000) now.
– Check for warning updates often and listen to your local radio station.
– If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close. Smoke can make it hard to breathe.
– Get ready now so you can leave quickly if the fire gets close
– If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.
– Decide on a safe place to go. This may be to family or friends outside the warning area.
– Tell others where you will go.
– Plan how you will leave. Some roads may not be safe.
– If you are not prepared or find it hard to move quickly, your safest option is to leave early.
– Pack a bag with device chargers, clothes, important documents, medicine, lots of drinking water, cash and other important items.
– Be ready to take your pets, their food and supplies.
– Wear protective clothing that covers your skin.
– Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.
– Do not light any fires around your property. A fire ban is in place for this area.
Impacts:
– The fire is likely to impact the community in the coming hours.
– Roads may be impacted by smoke. Smoke can make it hard to see when driving.
– Power, water, phone, and internet services may be impacted as the fire gets closer.
What firefighters are doing:
– Firefighters are working to control the fire.
– Aircraft are helping ground crews.
– Backburning is being done to help control the fire.
More Information:
– For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website.
– Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook.
– For road closures, visit the Qld Traffic website or call 13-19-40.
– For power information, go to the Ergon website.
– For local information, visit the South Burnett Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard.
– If you need translation, call TIS National on 131-450.
– Natural disasters can affect your mental health. If you need help contact: Lifeline 13-11-14, Beyond Blue 1300-224-636 or Kids Helpline 1800-551-800.
Next update by 2:39pm or sooner if the situation changes.
This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.
[UPDATED]
