BUSHFIRE UPDATE

• 76 active bushfires across Queensland (as at 6.30am)
• Since October 21, fire crews have fought 900 vegetation fires
• 58 structures damaged on Western Downs
• 387 homes saved
• 83 firefighters from Victoria have started arriving
• 42 aircraft available today
• Emergency assistance payments assisting 677 people have been paid
• Some reprieve in weather conditions

Weather conditions have eased slightly overnight but Queensland’s bushfire emergency is not yet over.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has paid tribute to fire crews who have fought 900 blazes in a dozen days.

Relief firefighters from Victoria have begun arriving and are heading directly to the fire-fronts.

Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk: 

“Although the loss of property in these fires is significant, 387 homes have been saved.

“This is a tribute to our fire fighters and the communities who continue to follow their directions.

“There is no doubt these combined efforts have saved lives.

“For those who have lost everything, the arms of Queenslanders are wrapping around them.

“More than 670 people have received emergency assistance payments so far with more on the way.

“This emergency is far from over.

“I thank crews arriving from interstate and overseas.

“We will continue to keep the community informed as our recovery continues.”

ENDS