Local Fire bans reinstated

The extreme fire weather in the state's south-east during the past two days has led to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service reinstating local fire bans for 25 local government areas, Emergency Services Minister Chris Cummins said today.

Mr Cummins said the bans covered the Brisbane, Caboolture, Caloundra, Kilcoy, Kingaroy, Maroochydore, Nanango, Noosa, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Redlands, Waggamba, Bendemere, Chinchilla, Tara, Taroom, Murilla, Gold Coast, Beaudesert, Boonah, Ipswich, Gatton, Laidley, Esk and Logan local government areas.

He said these bans prohibit the lighting of all fires in the fire ban area, with the following exceptions:

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 Fire by the local Fire Warden.

3. Fire of commercial necessity may be permitted subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by the Rural Fire Service District Inspector.

4. Fires lit for the purpose of burning standing sugar cane for harvest in accordance with the established practice of the industry.

5. Fire lit for the purpose of burning sugar cane tops and harvesting trash between the hours of 1800 (6.00pm) and 0900 (9.00am).

The local fire bans commence from midnight Tuesday (26 October) and will remain in place for 14 days, during which time weather conditions will be monitored to determine if the ban needs to be extended or revoked.

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 QFRS media on 3247 8186.