Large, fast moving fire takes hold at Moonie

A large, fast-moving fire is burning along the Moonie Highway, near the Kinkora and Currajong State Forests in the state’s southwest.

A large, fast-moving bush fire is burning out of control at Moonie, west of Dalby. Picture: Zizi Averill

The Queensland Fire Department has issued a Watch and Act alert for the Kinkora State Forest at Southwood, west of Dalby.

The alert relates to the area between Tarawindi Road, Dicks Road, Lienassie Road, Bendee Road, Stephens Creek and Back Creek.

A large, fast-moving fire is burning along the Moonie Highway, near the Kinkora State Forest and the Currajong State Forest.

Conditions could get worse quickly.

Firefighters are working to contain the fire. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.

More than 20 crews are working to contain the fire, backed up by water bombers.

The fire started about 11am on Friday and was initially burning within containment lines.

Fire crews had it under control through the night but has escalated in the past few hours and is now burning out of control on Saturday.

There is no immediate threat to property, but residents are urged to review their evacuation plan and be prepared to lead.

What you should do:

– If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.

– Prepare now so you can leave quickly if the bushfire gets close:

– Decide where you and the people you live with will go. This could be with family or a friend away from the fire. Plan how you will get there. Tell others where you will go.

– Charge mobile phones and power banks.

– Be ready to take your pets, pet food, pet lead or crate/carrier.

– Pack a bag with a mobile phone charger, enough clothes for five days, important documents (like ID, insurance papers, passports and photos), medicine, cash and keys.

– If you do not drive, call your support service, a family member or a friend to organise transport if you need to leave or want to leave.

– If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option.

– Avoid driving on Moonie Highway, between Moonie and Westmar.

– Keep medications close by.

– Move flammable items away from your house if you can.

– Help others if it’s safe to do so.

– Watch out for firefighters working in the area.

– Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affects air operations.

– Stay informed:

– Keep checking the QFD Current Bushfires and Warnings website.

– Follow QFD on Facebook and X.com.

– Listen to your local radio station.

Originally published as Large, fast moving fire takes hold at Moonie