No room for complacency with more than 110 vegetation fires reported overnight

Firefighters are bracing for another challenging period over the coming days, with latest figures showing 114 vegetation fires were reported across the state overnight, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Sunday).

Mr Crawford said that between 4pm yesterday and 8am today, there had been 46 vegetation fires and exposures recorded in the South Eastern Region, while the North Coast Region recorded 21; the Northern Region 15, Brisbane Region 12, Central Region 9, Far Northern Region 7 and South Western Region 4.

“These were on top of the nearly 100 vegetation fires and exposures reported in Queensland yesterday (Saturday),” Mr Crawford said.

“Our hard-working Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) staff and volunteers are being kept busy, and the threat isn’t easing as unfavourable weather combines with a dry fuel-load to ignite fires across the state.

“Fresh and gusty south to south easterly winds and dry conditions are producing Severe Fire Dangers over the Gulf Country, and Very High is most other areas.

“There is no room for complacency. The current dry conditions mean even the smallest fire has the potential to spread quickly.”

Local fire bans have been imposed in the Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer, Logan, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast local government areas.

“I’m urging Queenslanders to monitor conditions and stay up-to-date with warnings,” Mr Crawford said.

“Machinery such as tractors, slashers, welders and grinders can start grass fires, so anyone undertaking work around their property needs to do so with extreme caution.

“If you need to undertake these activities during dry conditions, you need to have appropriate resources to extinguish a fire if one starts.”

Mr Crawford urged people to report fires to Triple Zero (000).

“The sooner QFES can respond, the sooner crews can have the fire under control,” he said.

“It’s also vital people have a Bushfire Survival Plan, outlining what actions they will take to protect their family and property if a fire threatens.”

KEEP UP-TO-DATE BY: •           Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandRescueService) and Twitter (@QldFES) •           Staying tuned to your local radio station

• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
  

FURTHER INFORMATION: •           For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety •           For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909