Forecasts of very high fire danger across large parts of Queensland over the coming days have prompted the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) to ask residents to be cautious and vigilant.
QFRS Acting Assistant Commissioner for Rural Operations Paul Adcock said firefighters were kept busy responding to wildfires yesterday and similar weather conditions were set to continue over the coming days.
“Just yesterday firefighters responded to more than 180 vegetation fires across Queensland,” he said.
“There is no doubt that weather conditions of high temperatures, north to north westerly winds and low humidity, which we are experiencing now, are perfect conditions for fire. Mr Adcock said this mix of weather conditions prompted QFRS to ask all Queenslanders to be particularly careful.
“We have already postponed a number of permit burns across the state but if you have a valid permit, please rethink the need to light up over the coming days.” he said.
“Landowners who have conducted hazard reduction burns recently are strongly encouraged to take immediate steps to ensure that their fire has been properly extinguished or to make sure the residual fire is contained so that it will not escape.”
Mr Adcock reminded residents of the declaration of a Fire Danger Period for the State.
“Except for a fire for cooking or warmth, residents are not allowed to light a fire regardless of size without a permit since midnight Sunday 4 September to midnight on Sunday 1 January, 2012,” he said.
“This is not to be confused with a Fire Ban under which permits would not be issued and existing permits would be cancelled. This measure has been put in place to assist the rural fire service to monitor the issuing of permits and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent fire escapes.
“Permits can be obtained free of charge from the Local Fire Wardens.”
Obtaining a permit to burn from your local fire warden is a simple process and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent escapes
“We are also asking people to ensure they are not throwing cigarette butts out of car windows and to be careful when operating machinery in grassed areas,” Mr Adcock said.
“A number of fires have recently been started by slashers, movers, graders and welders. One spark can result in a fire that can end up threatening properties and lives.
“People operating these types of machinery should have some equipment with them to be able to extinguish these small fires before they get out of control.”
More information about permits to light fire and how to prepare for bushfire season can be found at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
