Barakula State Forest fire blankets Western Downs towns in smoke with no warning

Incredible vision has captured the moment a town was shrouded in ominous bushfire smoke with visibility at times near zero. SEE THE VIDEO

Controlled fires at the Barakula State Forrest on the Western Downs caused towns from Miles to Tara to be inundated with thick smoke without warning. Picture: Gerkies Storm Chasing

Western Downs residents woke to the smell of ash, as thick smoke blanketed many towns after it drifted more than 100km from a fire burning at the Barakula State Forest.

Visibility in Chinchilla was so poor on Friday morning, September 10, residents could barely see just a few metres ahead due to a controlled burn being managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Concerned residents from Miles, Tara, and Chinchilla took to social media for answers as they received no warming of the smoky conditions.

The thick smoke posed a risk to those with underlying health conditions such as asthma.

According to the National Asthma Council Australia bushfire smoke can trigger asthma symptoms, causing wheezing, breathlessness, coughing and tightness of the chest.

A Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said a smoke warning wasn’t issued to residents because “forecasts predicted that the smoke would drift away from populated areas”.

Controlled fires at the Barakula State Forrest on the Western Downs caused towns from Miles to Tara to be inundated with thick smoke without warning. Picture: Gerkies Storm Chasing

The spokeswoman said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is burning about 10,000 hectares of open forest and woodland as part of a yearly hazard reduction and conservation plan.

“Some grazing lessees of the Barakula State Forest are also conducting planned burns as part of their fire management plans,” she said.

“The aim of this burn is to reduce the volume of forest fuels and to create a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt areas.”

The spokeswoman said the fire was under control and eight crews are monitoring the blaze.

The Barakula State Forest is located 40 km north of Chinchilla on the Western Downs. Picture: Google Maps

Western Downs father-and-son duo Peter and Seth Gerke from Gerkies Storm Chasing were out capturing the smoke and took to Facebook to inform the community.

“Controlled fires have been lit across Barakula State Forest… before the wet season begins,” Peter and Seth Gerke said.

“Due to light winds and a huge high-pressure system dominating the atmosphere this smoke lingers throughout the Western Downs causing thick coverage and danger to those with asthma.”

The smoke should dissipate over the weekend.