Queensland braces for fires

22 Sep 2009, 9:23 am   -   Source: SBS staff and agencies
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Total fire bans are being progressively rolled out across Queensland as most of the state faces extreme fire conditions. (AAP)

Total fire bans are being progressively rolled out across Queensland as most of the state faces extreme fire conditions. (AAP)

Total fire bans are being progressively rolled out across Queensland as most of the state faces extreme fire conditions.

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Total fire bans are being progressively rolled out across Queensland as most of the state faces extreme fire conditions.

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is warning that very high to extreme fire conditions are expected to affect the south-east coastline and the majority of inland Queensland from Tuesday until Thursday, as far as the north-west Queensland city of Mount Isa.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast that north to north-west winds are expected to increase across southern Queensland during the day as a trough system moves into the south-west.

Combined with dry and hot conditions, grassland fire dangers are forecast to reach extreme for Tuesday in the Maranoa, Warrego, Central Highlands, Coalfields and Central West districts.

Extreme forest fire dangers are also expected to develop in the Central Highlands and Coalfields district.

Queensland's rural fire service has advised people within these areas to expect dangerous fire conditions and to call triple-zero if they see even a small grass fire in their local area.
   
Earlier this morning, the QFRS enforced total fire bans through to Thursday in the local government areas of Toowoomba, Western Downs, Southern Downs, Roma, Paroo, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Murweh, South Burnett, Banana, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Central Highlands, Woorabinda, Isaac, Whitsunday, Mackay, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo and Longreach.

In addition, total fire bans will be put in place from midnight Tuesday until Thursday in the local government areas of North Burnett, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Gympie, Cherbourg, Bundaberg, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Ipswich City, Scenic Rim, Logan City, Gold Coast, Brisbane City, Redland City and Moreton Bay.

People in these local government areas are not permitted to light any fire, including permit fires, once the bans are in place.

The bans will be reviewed as the days progress.

"QFRS are prepared for these conditions and have the necessary teams and equipment on standby to respond quickly if required," a QFRS statement said.

"Under these weather conditions fires can threaten areas suddenly and without warning.

"Fires can destroy homes under these circumstances and people should discuss their bushfire plans with their families in case they are faced with a fire emergency.
   
"Those who plan to leave should finalise their options and be prepared to leave if necessary."

Further information on fire bans or how to prepare property is available at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
 

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Your Comments

Fire - Experts

Manfred E. Mayer - from Qld, 3 years ago

If the so called experts would know any better they bloody well stop back - burns , which they call all is under control , we all can see that on TV up near Gimpie and the rest of QLD , this is the kind which nicks me off .
I would charge them for every dollar spend to keep there own fire hazard creation under control , in specific the use of helicopters , that will just fetch there stupid attitude towards back - burns.
WHAT A WASTE OF RESOURCES .

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