By STEVE GRAY
WILD weather is on the way, with hot, dry and windy conditions creating a tinderbox environment for bushfires.
Concerned emergency services across southern Queendland and northern NSW have warned residents to be ready.
NSW Rural Fire Services declared a total fire ban on Monday, due to hot and windy conditions.
The Rural Fire Service in Queensland said that by Wednesday “fires will be uncontrollable and fast-moving”.
The Bureau of Meteorology said a vigorous surface trough will move eastwards and then stall over southern interior districts, bringing 40kmh winds along with hot and dry conditions.
Most at risk will be western parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt which will be in Extreme Fire Danger, according to the Bureau..The New England district of NSW was given a “severe” fire danger rating and advise people to immediately check their survival plan.
Residents of southwest Queensland have been warned of “heightened” fire conditions for this week, with forecasts of high temperatures and low humidity.
“These conditions make it very difficult to contain vegetation fires, so we’re asking residents to take extra care and be alert,”Queensland Fire and Rescue Service’s acting south western regional manager Colin Neal said.
Landowners conducting hazard reduction burns are urged to take extra precautions and ensure residual fires were contained.
Machinery operators are urged to re-evaluate working in grassed areas, while smokers are being warned not to throw butts out car windows.
Mr Neal urged those who haven’t completed bushfire preparations to do so.
“I urge them to visit the Rural Fire Service Queensland website to download a bushfire survival plan so that no-one is caught off-guard,” Mr Neal said.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Commissioner, Lee Johnson, said with school holidays now underway, campers need to take precautions – ensure campfires are sited safely and extinguished with water.
“If a bushfire does strike, ensure you tune into the local radio station for updates and advice,” he said.
Queensland residents can obtain warnings by regular listening to ABC Radio and by logging on to www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
