SEEK SHELTER: Potentially deadly fire on Price Creek Road at Mutchilba

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is warning residents of Mutchilba to seek shelter immediately as a potentially deadly, fast-moving fire burns toward Price Creek Road. FREE TO READ

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is warning residents of Mutchilba to seek shelter immediately as a potentially deadly, fast-moving fire burns toward Price Creek Road.

An emergency warning has been issued, with residents urged to seek shelter immediately, as at 5pm on Thursday, October 26.

The warning area encompasses properties between Metzger Road, Mareeba Dimbulah Road, Barbetti Road, Craig Road and De Lacy Road, including Mutchilba Road, Piemonte Road and Algoma Road

Firefighters undertake back burning activities on the Atherton Tablelands. Picture: Peta Davis-Staples

QFES advised a potentially deadly fire is expected to impact Price Creek Road very soon.

QFES advised: “Your life is in danger. You need to SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY to survive. Schools in the area are seeking shelter. Do not try to leave. Driving now could be deadly.”

Firefighters are working to contain the fire.

Residents are warned they should not expect a firefighter at your door.

Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews.

If your life is in danger, call triple-0 immediately.

It is the second large bushfire to threaten the area of Mutchilba this month.

An earlier fire took nearly 12 hours to extinguish, burning through scrub and farmland.

Mareeba Dimbulah Road, Dimbulah and Mutchilba. Fire - Road closed to all traffic, Both directions. https://t.co/zDTh6pWPPK

— QLDTrafficFNNQ (@QLDTrafficFNNQ) October 26, 2023

Seek shelter immediately

Inside a brick building

In a room with multiple escape points

On the opposite side from the approaching fire.

– As the fire approaches and passes, the safest place will change, so be ready to move quickly.

– Follow your bushfire survival plan if you have one.

– Put on protective clothing, like closed in shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt made of cotton or wool.

– Close windows and doors. Seal any gaps with wet towels.

– Check for embers inside, particularly in the roof space. Put them out quickly with water.

– Drink lots of water.

– Make sure you always have two ways out of the room you are in.

– Keep vital medications with you.

– Do not try to leave. It is too dangerous.

– Keep pets safe inside. Move them when you move. Give them water.

– Stay informed:

– Keep checking the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website

– Listen to your local radio station

SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY - Mutchilba (near Mareeba) - fire as at 3:02pm Thursday, 26 October 2023.

QFES has used Emergency Alert text and voice message to warn people in the affected area about this fire. Go to https://t.co/RQMCV5oo1Y for current bushfire warnings. If your life… https://t.co/z7VZlkmHl8

— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 26, 2023

Impacts:

– Properties will be impacted very soon.

– Firefighters cannot stop the fire. Do not expect a firefighter at your door.

– Power, water, and mobile phone services may stop working soon.

– Thick smoke will make it hard to see and breathe, and it will sting your eyes.

– It will be very hot and loud. You may hear explosions nearby.

– The sky will be dark.

– Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews.

Originally published as SEEK SHELTER: Potentially deadly fire on Price Creek Road at Mutchilba