Fire crews work to contain blaze near Eungella in unseasonably dry conditions

Smoke is covering the roads as fire crews work to contain a six hectare fire at the foot of the Eungella range with experts warning of a second dry season.

Volunteers are working to contain a six hectare fire at the foot of the Eungella range in what an experienced firefighter is calling a ‘green drought’.

Rural Fire Service area director Andrew Houley said the emergency crews were called to the scene near Mackay Eungella Rd in Netherdale about noon.

Mr Houley said three trucks and about 15 volunteers, many coming straight from work on their farms, were on scene.

Mr Houley said three trucks and about 15 volunteers, many coming straight from work on their farms, were on scene.

He said the fire would be contained in the next few hours but backburning in the area may increase the appearance of its severity.

Mr Houley said it was the latest blaze in a spate of fires throughout the region in the past month exacerbated through ‘very dry conditions’.

“We had a car break down that caught fire, a trailer bearing and a lightning strike,” Mr Houley said.

Mr Houley said the region had experienced about half its usual rainfall for the season.

Rural Fire Service Mackay area director Andrew Houley.

“The story is that the conditions are quite dry, we’re not in a usual wet season,” Mr Houley said.

“This is our second dry year.

“We’re in a green drought, it’s just enough to keep the grass green but that’s about it.

“But out in Nebo it’s all brown.”

Mr Houley advised residents to exercise caution and be aware of the dry conditions.

“Get a permit for anything larger than two (metre) by two (metre) fire,” he said.