FIRE BAN: Open fires to be prohibited in southwest

CURRENT and upcoming fire conditions have prompted Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to act to prevent a potential disaster. FULL DETAILS HERE:

A firefighter defends a property in Torrington, near Glen Innes, Sunday, November 10, 2019. There are more than 80 fires burning around the state, with about half of those uncontained. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING

A FIRE ban will be imposed at midnight tonight in response to the growing risk of bushfires throughout Queensland.

Residents in the Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, Western Downs, Maranoa, Murweh, Quilpie, Bulloo, Paroo and Balonne Local Government Areas will be affected by the fire ban, starting at 12.01am on September 24.

Under a local fire ban, all open fires are prohibited and all permits to light fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled.

Power tools may be used during a local fire ban, however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start.

It may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.

The ban is expected to remain in place until 11.59pm on Monday, September 28.

Information on fire bans and the exemptions that can apply can be found here.

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