‘Prepare to leave’ warning after Southern Downs fire rages out of control

A fire that threatened the homes of residents and shut the New England Highway south of Warwick as it raged out of control on Sunday has eased overnight.

Picture: FILE / QPS

A fire threat in South East Queensland has eased after residents were earlier told to prepare to leave, as it raged out of control closing the New England Highway south of Warwick.

The Queensland Fire Department on Sunday issued an alert to residents at the Glen between Pikedale Road, McDougall Road, Glenvale Road and the New England Highway.

“Conditions could get worse quickly,” a QFD spokesperson said.

“A fast-moving fire is burning on Pikedale Road and the New England Highway. It is travelling towards Pikedale Road.

Photo: FILE / Kev Farmer

“Firefighters are working to contain the fire. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.”

The fire forced the closure of a major regional Queensland Highway on Sunday afternoon as emergency services worked to contain the blaze.

By 6pm on Sunday, the alert level had eased slightly to advise residents to “stay informed”, saying “there is no immediate danger but conditions could change”.

At 10pm a further update was issued, advising resident to “avoid smoke”.

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Stay up to date with the latest information here.

What QFS says you should if you are in the warning area:

– If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.

– Prepare now so you can leave quickly if the bushfire gets close:

– Decide where you and the people you live with will go. This could be with family or a friend away from the fire. Plan how you will get there. Tell others where you will go.

– Charge mobile phones and power banks.

– Be ready to take your pets, pet food, pet lead or crate/carrier.

– Pack a bag with a mobile phone charger, enough clothes for five days, important documents (like ID, insurance papers, passports and photos), medicine, cash and keys.

– If you do not drive, call your support service, a family member or a friend to organise transport if you need to leave or want to leave.

– If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option.

– Avoid driving on the New England Highway near Pikedale Road, The Glen.

– Keep medications close by.

– Move flammable items away from your house if you can.

– Help others if it’s safe to do so.

– Watch out for firefighters working in the area.

– Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.

– Stay informed:

– Keep checking the QFD Current Bushfires and Warnings website.

– Follow QFD on Facebook and X.com.

– Listen to your local radio station.