News item

Heightened fire danger continues across north Queensland

22/11/2012 8:55:33 AM

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is reminding north Queensland residents to be cautious and vigilant with heightened fire weather conditions forecast for today and the weekend.

QFRS Northern Regional Manager for Rural Operations Ken Beasley said a very high fire danger had been predicted for most of the region, with many areas in the central, western and south west set to experience severe conditions.

“Very strong winds up to 40 kilometres an hour are expected and these pose a real risk for fires getting out of control,” Mr Beasley said.

“While the QFRS is well prepared to fight potential fires, prevention is important.

“The combination of strong winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity will make it very difficult to contain vegetation fires, so we’re asking residents to take extra care and be alert.”

Mr Beasley urged landholders to ensure they were prepared.

“The predicted conditions will be very similar to yesterday, where firefighters responded to a number of fires in the region,” he said.

“If they haven’t done so already, I urge residents to finalise preparations on their property and visit the Rural Fire Service website to download a bushfire survival plan so that no one is caught off guard.

“Landowners who have conducted hazard reduction burns recently are strongly encouraged to take immediate steps to ensure their fire has been properly extinguished or to make sure the residual fire is contained so that it will not escape with the forecast winds.

“We are also asking people to ensure they are not throwing cigarette butts out of car windows and to be careful when operating machinery in grassed areas.”

More information on how to prepare for bushfire season can be found at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.


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