Leichhardt Highway, north of Miles under threat as high fire danger continues in the Western Downs
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warn there is still an arsonist on the loose in Tara, while a fire north of Miles threatens to close a major highway.
Chinchilla
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Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have warned residents that while the fire in Tara has been contained, and residents have been allowed back to their properties, those in Miles are warned of a potential highway closure.
Queensland Rural Fire Service South West Region manager Superintendent Wayne Waltisbuhl said the Myall Park fire on Wednesday lit up 40,000ha of land.
He said the main location of concern for authorities was now 15 to 20km north of Miles, near the Leichhardt Highway, which was “very likely” to be closed.
“If the fire takes a run like it did yesterday, that impact could occur within 24 hours,” he said.
“There are a lot of things in place to manage the highway closure, and there are a lot of people involved in how we manage the closure of that, it may be that it’s taken down to one lane.”
He said a second concern for fireys was a 33,000kV power line that linked Wandoan and Miles.
“It has the potential for carbon and smoke to conduct power to the ground, so it’s a firefighter safety issue,” Superintendent Waltisbuhl said.
The superintendent said fireys were aware of how to work safely under the heavy power lines, and there was a plan in place that included earth moving, to ensure the safety of Miles.
Wieambilla, Montrose fires
Superintendent Waltisbuhl confirmed that there have been 18 structural damages throughout the Tara region and three sheds destroyed, after some numbers had been misinterpreted the past few days.
“That fire is contained and out, however residents still need to be aware of what’s going on as there could still be smouldering,” he said.
“We’re aware we still have an arsonist operating in Tara.
“We know the arson attack on Sunday night a few weeks ago was arson, and it’s being investigated.”
He said he believed “quite strongly” the most recent fire that started on Sunday along Wallaby Track was also arson.
Local fire ban
A fire ban was imposed on the local government areas of Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa and Balonne as of midnight February 16, and will operate for 14 days.
“The fire danger will not decrease until March,” Superintendent Waltisbuhl said.
He said that while heavy rain of up to 50mm could reduce the threat of fire, what they ask for is support from communities.
“Minimise the risk of spark, be aware of your surroundings,” he said.
Relief funds
Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the Australian and Queensland governments were working together to support recovery efforts in the affected regions through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
“A range of assistance is now available to support community recovery such as immediate personal hardship payments to cover the costs of essential items for individuals and families, as well as funding for operational response activities,” he said.
Western Downs Regional Council said they are offering cleaning services to contaminated water tanks that have been impacted by the fires.
A WDRC spokesman said council will be facilitating the cleaning of roofs and water tanks that have been impacted by the firefighting efforts, specifically for the dispersal of fire retardant.
The council is working with QFES to determine the level of cleaning required for impacted properties, and encourage residents who haven’t been contacted to get in touch directly via 1300 COUNCIL (268 624) to provide their details.
Residents are also recommended to contact the Tara Neighbourhood Centre on 4665 3508 in relation to general recovery efforts so they can be linked with appropriate support services.
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