Two main highways close from fast moving grass fire
A fast-moving grass fire earlier caused two main highways west of Brisbane to close, as wind gusts of up to 50km/hour and dry conditions across the southeast create tinderbox conditions.
QLD News
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A fast-moving grass fire has caused two main highways west of Brisbane to close on Saturday afternoon.
QFES crews were working to contain the blaze that was burning on both sides of the Centenary Highway in Yamanto near Pisasale Drive.
The Centenary Highway and Cunningham Highway were closed in both directions due to the fire and smoke in the air.
The highways were reopened just after 6pm as fire crews contained the blaze. Firefighters will monitor the scene overnight.
A water bombing aircraft was assisting in containing the fire and there was no immediate threat to property.
Police are assisting QFES with traffic control in the area and have advised motorists to avoid the surrounding roads if possible.
Bureau of Meteorology’s James Thompson said fire danger ratings were very high across the southeast on Saturday.
“We’re looking at high to very high fire dangers over parts of the southeast today and then into tomorrow as well with quite a bit of dry air around,” he said.
“We did see some reasonably strong winds through the southeast and wind gusts in excess of 50 kilometres and hour and really dry air as well.”
He said the humidity levels across the southeast were as low as 10 to 15 per cent throughout the day, but conditions were expected to ease for the rest of the weekend.
“We’re looking at dry air continuing into the next couple of days but we will have an easing of those winds.”
“It’s a very high fire danger rating today and it’s looking more likely for high fire danger ratings in the next coming days.”
Local fire bans were put in place in the state’s south for the weekend from the Scenic Rim to the Bulloo Shire.
Several other grass fires have broken out due to the dry windy conditions, including in Johnstown, Woodford and Woocoo.