FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE AT BRIBIE ISLAND

State and local government agencies will join forces this week for hazard reduction burns on State land at White Patch and Woorim on Bribie Island.

The Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) is working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Forest Products Queensland and Caboolture Shire Council to reduce large quantities of dry grass and minimise the risk of wildfires.

Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace and Pumicestone MP Carryn Sullivan said the hazard-reduction burn was designed to remove accumulated fuel loads such as dry grasses and weeds.

“Hazard reduction burns are designed to produce low-intensity, slow moving fires that are more controllable,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace said he expected the burns to begin on July 30 and finish up on August 03.

Carryn Sullivan said alternative dates for the burn would be set if weather conditions were not deemed favourable to safely achieve the burn objectives.

Residents are reminded to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke entering homes; retract pool covers to protect them from ash and ensure pets are kept in smoke-free areas.

Sightseers must keep away from the burn and vehicles should slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on.

Caption: NRW's South East Fire Management Team. David Limburg (front), Nicholas Domalewski (right), Jonathan Moore and Joshua Bull (back).

Electronic version of photograph available on request.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.