Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in Dalby to address shock southwest fires

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed at a press conference in the Western Downs on Friday that more than 40 firefighters were coming interstate to help battle the southwest fires along with crews from overseas due to ongoing ‘fatigue’ from current fire and rescue teams.

The Queensland Premier arrived on the Western Downs on Friday to “see firsthand” the extreme conditions as hundreds of firefighters prepare for a weekend of battling multiple firestorms on a scale not seen in 40 years.

Flanked by Police Minister Mark Ryan and Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh at the Dalby fire station, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced more fire crews would be added to the hundreds already fighting ongoing infernos across the southwest region as well plans to deploy a large air tanker from Bundaberg to combat the fires.

The appearance by the premier comes after more than 300 people had to evacuate their Western Downs homes due to ongoing and erratic fires and have sought refuge at evacuation centres in Dalby.

There are about 200 people on the ground fighting fires in the southwest with another fire approaching the rural community of Moonie.

Dozens of firefighters will arrive on the Western Downs from interstate and New Zealand to help manage the fatigue of crews who have been galliantly fighting firestorms since Tuesday.

“Our firefighters are exhausted and we will help manage fatigue,” she said.

“The Western Downs has been through so much over such a substantial period of time,” she said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Police Minister Mark Ryan visit Dalby on Friday afternoon in the wake of deadly bushfires that have destroyed more than a dozen homes across the Western Downs.

“Some people have lost everything and some are going through very emotional times. It’s a big credit to what Queenslanders go through and how they can get through just about anything.”

The Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services thanked the crews on the ground for working in such intense conditions.

“We’ve been here for just the last couple hours and the wind has picked up intensity, you can see how tough it will be for our firefighters on the frontline to defend the environment and properties,” Mr Ryan said.

“It’s very dry out there, there’s a strong win, and it’s a difficult situation.”

He said there were people on the ground assessing the situation to see what was required so they could assist in support and relief of those impacted.

Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing said there were 420 bushfires ongoing across the state.

“(Firefighters) are super resilient but they are getting tired,” he said.

“We will bring in several specialist aircrafts as we know this is a critical part in our firefighting efforts.

“This will be a marathon with several sprints in between.”