Heightened fire danger again hit the region over the weekend, with firies urging residents to remain vigilant as conditions remain perfect for fires.
Fire permits were suspended over the weekend in the Tenterfield Local Government Area and permits in South Western Region have been suspended until at least Saturday, as the fire danger, as reported by the Bureau of Meteorology, hit Very High.
QFRS South Western Region Manager of Rural Operations Wayne Waltisbuhl said firefighters were monitoring conditions and preparing for a potentially busy week.
“The weather forecast suggests that dry, hot and windy conditions will produce severe to near extreme fire dangers later in the week for much of south west Queensland,” Mr Waltisbuhl said.
“These conditions make it very difficult to contain vegetation fires, so we’re asking residents to take extra care and be alert.
“If the forecast weather eventuates as expected, Wednesday and Thursday will be some of the highest fire danger days of the season so far for the south west.”
Mr Waltisbuhl said the forecast winds would exceed safe permit burning conditions during the week.
“At this stage we have suspended all fire permits in the region from midnight Monday, October 8, to midnight Saturday, October 13,” he said.
“Should a landholder conduct a Permit to Burn during this time and under these conditions, they will automatically be in breach of the Permit conditions and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Act will apply.
“Even without wind, residual heat from a smouldering fire can spark a blaze. Residents should ensure all previous burns are fully extinguished and check and patrol their boundaries.”
Mr Waltisbuhl said residents should finalise any outstanding bushfire preparations around their properties now.
“If residents haven’t already done so, I urge them to visit the Rural Fire Service website to download a bushfire survival plan so that no one is caught off guard,” he said.
“Also make sure you’re tuning into warnings by regularly listening to local radio and logging on to our website www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au .”
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) Superintendant Chris Wallbridge said, under the current period of increased fire danger, all Permit Holders should read carefully the conditions on their Permits as they won’t always get a phone call to indicate the suspension.
“We’re asking all landowners to take extreme care over the next five days.
“Already the RFS has responded to over 80 fires in the Northern Tablelands and New England areas, the majority of these being escaped permit fires.
“Being mindful of the increased risks and observing the suspension of Fire Permits will help reduce the loss of grazing land and important infrastructure such as fencing in our rural community,” said Superintendant Chris Wallbridge.
Information on the current and forecast Fire Danger Ratings for your area can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
