Despite the current heatwave there are no fire bans or restrictions in place for the Southern Downs local government region, and despite a huge blaze tearing through 40 hectares of bushland at Rosenthal Heights on Sunday 21 January.
But the Rural Fire Service is urging residents to obtain a permit from their local fire warden before lighting a fire.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) Area Director Goetz Graf said residents would need a Permit to Light a Fire to conduct burns greater than two metres in any direction.
“Drought is still very much an ongoing issue for southwest residents,” Mr Graf said.
“We haven’t had much rain at all so everything has dried out, and it’s only going to get even more severe heading into winter.
“Permits are free and can be obtained by contacting a local fire warden.
“Several factors will be considered before a permit is issued, such as weather forecasts, fire danger rating, the size of the burn, weather conditions on the day and what resources residents have available.”
For more information, contact your local fire warden or local area office. To locate your local fire warden and to stay up-to-date with fire danger ratings visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
