Queensland on bushfire alert as strong winds rise

Fire and Emergency Services Minister, Craig Crawford has today urged residents to stay informed as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warned of an increased fire threat for the next three days.

“Our crews are doing a wonderful job but unfortunately that job isn’t over – with weather forecasts suggesting a heightened risk not only for today but over the weekend,” he said. “QFES reports firefighters have responded to more than 1000 fires since August 15 across the state – and they are bracing for another busy period.”

One of those emergencies took place in Mt Archer National Park, the scenic backdrop to the city of Rockhampton, last week, when a deliberately lit fire escaped containment lines and threatened some 40 residences as well as all of the city’s communications infrastructure and much of its tourism infrastructure, including a multi-million dollar canopy walk.

Rockhampton Regional councillor, Neil Fisher, was one of those helping to battle the blaze that was fed by strong winds and low humidity, and said authorities were almost at the stage of issuing evacuation orders.

“Queensland is getting so professional at managing disasters,” he said. “QFES, the SES, national parks staff and rural fire brigades all coordinated wonderfully.”

Cr Fisher said QFES and park staff had been undertaking mosaic burns to reduce the fuel load, but the debris left by Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015 was still a problem.

The fire burnt to the rear fence lines of more than 50 homes at the bottom of the mountain in Frenchville.

Mr Crawford said residents all over Queensland needed to remain up-to-date in the conditions being experienced, and the work they could undertake in urban or semi-rural areas was just as important as the efforts of major landholders or QFES’ partner agencies in reducing bushfire threats.

“These measures can include clearing leaves, twigs, bark and debris from roofs and gutters, and trimming low-lying branches around the home or yard.

“All of these actions, no matter how small they may seem, can make a big difference in an emergency.”

Mr Crawford also urged motorists to remain alert when driving near emergencies such as bushfires.

“I’m asking drivers to slow down if they see emergency vehicles – not only for their own safety, but for the wellbeing of the hard-working crews responding to any incidents,” Mr Crawford said.

People are urged to report fires to triple zero (000).

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For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au