Total Fire Ban Descends on Queensland: ‘Unpleasant’ Conditions Spark Fears of Catastrophic Blazes
- Total fire bans in place across 23 local government areas, with more to follow
- Firefighters battling 30 blazes across the state, with ‘dozens’ of fires already burning
- Temperatures to soar above 35C, with strong winds and potential thunderstorms exacerbating fire danger
Queenslanders are bracing for a potentially catastrophic few days as total fire bans sweep across the state, with authorities warning of ‘unpleasant’ conditions that could spark devastating blazes.
Rural Fire Service Superintendent Shaune Toohey revealed that 30 fires are already burning across the state, including several in the Brisbane Valley and the Darling Downs. ‘We have a number of fires crews are actively working on,’ he said. ‘We’ve put on extra aircraft and are making sure we have crews available to support communities should a fire come close to their area.’
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of a ‘drier wind change’ moving through the state, with temperatures expected to reach 34C in Brisbane, Gladstone, and Logan on Thursday. The mercury is tipped to hit 35C in Ipswich and Beaudesert, and 36C in Gympie.
‘Heat will really peak on Thursday over much of eastern Queensland before easing later in the week,’ meteorologist Shane Kennedy said. ‘On Thursday, we’ll see a drier wind change move through with some gusty winds as well. They will combine to create a fairly broad area of high fire-danger ratings, with some pockets of extreme fire danger.’
Dry lightning strikes are also possible in parts of the state, with Superintendent Toohey urging landholders to comply with the total fire ban. ‘Just hold off until the weather has subsided,’ he said. ‘If they have to do it, remain very cautious and have measures in place to ensure any fire can be controlled.’
The total fire ban came into effect at midnight in southern Queensland and will continue until at least 2am on Sunday. The ban for remaining areas will remain in place until at least next Tuesday.
Queenslanders are being warned not to become complacent, with authorities stressing the importance of adhering to the fire ban and taking precautions to prevent fires. ‘We do this as a department to ensure the impact on the community is minimal,’ Superintendent Toohey said.