Volunteer firefighter in stable condition after battling South Burnett blaze

The Queensland Fire Department has provided an update on the volunteer firefighter who suffered severe injuries during a 40-hectare grassfire in the South Burnett on Thursday.

A volunteer female firefighter has suffered critical burns to her upper body, legs and face while battling a grassfire in the South Burnett region on Thursday. Picture: South Burnett Free Press, Grant Newson.

Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith has provided an update on the rural volunteer firefighter who suffered severe injuries during a 40-hectare grassfire at Maidenwell in the South Burnett on Thursday.

The woman, in her 60s, was flown to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with burns to her upper body, legs, and face.

“The firefighter’s condition, while still serious, has improved to stable, and she remains in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital,” Mr Smith said.

“This morning, RFSQ Acting Chief Officer Ben Millington and I again visited family members at the hospital and passed on the well-wishes of all QFD and RFSQ members.

We will continue to be with them in the days, weeks, and months ahead as they recover,” he said.

Mr Smith added that the family thanked the community for their “overwhelming” support and has requested privacy.

A male firefighter in his 70s also received treatment for minor burns at Kingaroy Hospital and is in stable condition.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 5.25pm on Thursday.

A QFD spokesman said SafeWork Queensland had been notified of the incident.