UPDATE: Out of control permitted burn brings safety warning

YESTERDAY’S grass fire at Goomboorian is a reminder to practice extreme caution when undertaking controlled burns, officials say.

YESTERDAY’S grass fire at Goomboorian is a reminder to practice extreme caution when undertaking controlled burns, officials say. Picture: Renee Albrecht

UPDATE:

A PERMITTED grass fire that roared out of control at Goomboorian yesterday afternoon near Webster Rd, is a reminder to practice extreme caution when undertaking controlled burns, officials say.

Seven fire crews in attendance extinguished the blaze by 3pm, which broke out in a paddock near Webster Rd at 1pm, before it caused damage to a nearby house and shed.

Gympie Fire and Rescue Service station officer Matt Phillips said as the weather cools down, now is the best time to burn to mitigate grass fires before the warmer months return, but preparation is the key.

He said to burn off safely, particularly in the present dry conditions, a number of steps needed to be followed:

Get a permit:
A permit is required for any fire larger than 2m in any direction. Permits can be obtained by contacting your region's rural fire warden. Officers can attend larger fires.

Find your local fire warden here. 

Create a fire break:

Ensure there is a good fire break of slashed or mown grass of about 4m around the intended fire area.

Resources check:
Sufficient resources of water is a must. Mechanical tractors and dozers are good to have on hand to push a fire.

Enlist help:
Make sure there are enough people on hand to control the blaze and to help in an emergency. Officer Phillips said too many people try to manage a controlled burn by themselves.

Stay:
Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.

Contact your warden:
If you are unsure of anything, liaise with your rural fire warden. Their role is to:

• grant or reject applications for permits to light fire
• determine the conditions under which permitted fires can be lit
• advise owners and occupiers of the need for fuel and hazard reduction
• recommend safety precautions for the protection of homes and assets

Find your local fire warden here. 

Firetruck . Picture: Daniel Perrin /TWE

YESTERDAY (Wednesday April 20)

UPDATE 3PM  FIRE crews have extinguished the grass fire at Goomboorian.

Seven Queensland Fire and Emergency crews fought the blaze, and have now left the scene. 

EARLIER: FIREFIGHTERS are on the scene of a grass fire burning near Webster Rd in Goomboorian. 

Seven Queensland Fire and Emergency crews are working to extinguish the blaze, which broke out about 1pm.

A smoke haze is affecting the area. 

Residents are asked to close windows and doors and if suffering from a respiratory condition, keep medications close by.

Motorists should drive with caution and to conditions.

If residents are concerned their property is under threat they are advised to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.