Published Monday, 11 October, 2004 at 12:00 AM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Chris Cummins
Local Fire bans extended
Areas now under ban are: Beaudesert; Brisbane; Caboolture; Dalby; Gatton; Hervey Bay; Isis; Kilkivan; Laidley; Maryborough; Mundubbera; Noosa; Redcliffe; Stanthorpe; Wambo; Woocoo; Biggenden; Bundaberg; Caloundra; Cooloola; Eidsvold; Gayndah; Inglewood; Jondaryan; Kingaroy; Logan; Millmerran; Murgon; Perry; Redland; Tiaro; Warwick; Boonah; Burnett; Cambooya; Clifton; Crows Nest; Esk; Pittsworth; Gold Coast; Ipswich; Kilcoy; Kolan; Maroochy; Monto; Nanango; Pine Rivers; Rosalie; Toowoomba City; Wondai.
The Bans will remain in place for 14 days (up to 25 October), during which time weather conditions will be monitored to determine if the ban needs to be extended or revoked.
The ban prohibits the lighting of all outdoor fires, with the following exemptions:
1. Fires within a properly constructed barbecue are permitted, provided they are not left unattended. (Gas and electric barbecues may be used).
2. Fires for the purpose of disposal of animal carcasses are permitted, subject to the issue of a Permit to Light a Fire by the local Fire Warden or an authorised fire officer.
3. Fires of commercial necessity are permitted subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by the Rural Fire Service District Inspector or an authorised fire officer.
4. Fires lit for the purpose of burning standing sugar cane for harvest in accordance with the established practice of the industry.
5. Fires lit for the purpose of burning tops and trash between the hours of 1800 (6.00 pm) and 0900 (9.00 am)
More information on fire bans and fire safety information is available from the QFRS and Rural Fire Service websites at www.fire.qld.gov.au or www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
The latest ban information can also be obtained at any time by phoning free call 1800 020 440.
Media contacts: Justin Coomber 3247 8194, 0407 130 287 or Tim Shipstone 3247 8992, 0409 620 571; or QFRS media on 3247 8186.