Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issues warning after southwest region reaches extreme fire danger

After losing his own family home in a bushfire, a Southern Downs volunteer firefighter has urged residents to be prepared for this year’s bushfire season. See advice on how best to prepare here.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services acted quickly in imposing a local fire ban across the southwest as fire danger warnings reached extreme.

The ban went into effect as of midnight Monday night and remained in place until midnight Tuesday. 

QFES, along with the many rural volunteer fire brigade’s in the region, asked residents to maintain caution and cease outdoor works during this time.

Sugarloaf Rural Fire Brigade first officer James Massey said three of their recent bushfires were sparked by property owners slashing.

“The message we’re putting out is absolutely no mowing (while the ban is in place),” he said.

Mr Massey said these fires tend to occur when stones collide with the blades, causing them to ignite from the friction and spark the surrounding grass.

QFES air crews captured this photos of a bushfire burning at Deepwater on Sunday where several properties were evacuated and some roads closed.

When it comes to having a bushfire survival plan in place, Mr Massey said it was important for residents to establish a location to meet up as far away from the fire as possible.

“Somewhere like a letterbox is a good example, because they generally tend to be close to the road and far enough away from a house,” he said.

“That way you will know if everyone in the household is accounted for.”

Mr Massey said keeping a water fire extinguisher by your bedside would not only help extinguish any flames but help clear a pathway through the house or be used to break through a pane of glass.

Sugarloaf Rural Fire Brigade first officer James Massey has experienced firsthand the devastation of losing a home to house fire.

Having unfortunately been a survivor along with his family of house fire many years ago, Mr Massey stressed the importance of owning a safe where all important identification and related documents could be placed.

“The best place to keep it is somewhere that’s easily accessible and near (an exit) doorway,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicted temperatures to reach the mid-30C across the region this week, with fire danger warnings reaching extreme on Monday for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

QFES have now lifted the ban for the southwest region, but still urge residents to be mindful.

Further information on fire bans and updates on the conditions in your area can be found on the QFES website.