Queensland bushfires threaten to merge with blazes in NSW
Residents in one Australian town have been spared from the path of a bushfire as several massive blazes plague Queensland and NSW.
Residents in one lucky town have been spared after a huge bushfire threatened their lives, though there are serious concerns about six emergency level blazes in Queensland and NSW.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk shared the welcome news that the Jennings fire near Tenterfield would not impact the township of Wallangarra, meaning 600 people are now out of the bushfire’s path.
“Can I say this has been outstanding work, the fire is now going around the town,” the premier told reporters in an update late on Tuesday afternoon.
“So the town has been saved thanks to tremendous work and I want to thank the NSW government as we utilised their large tanker and their large plane.”
There are fears the fires across the Queensland and NSW border could merge.
Emergency warnings are still in place for the Jennings area in the Tenterfield LGA, with NSW Rural Fire Service warning residents it is too late to leave.
Emergency Warning: Christies Fire (Tenterfield LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 31, 2023
A fire is burning to the northwest of Jennings. If you are in the area of Jennings you are in danger. Seek shelter as the fire approaches. It is too late to leave. For more info https://t.co/eByXrKavVypic.twitter.com/a5pjwgyKBA
On Tuesday evening, six fires were burning at an emergency level in NSW, five of which are burning near the border and another burning further south at Nymbodia near Coffs Harbour.
Back in Queensland, residents of Dalveen near Stanthorpe have been warned to leave immediately as multiple fire warnings threaten lives.
Those living in properties between the New England Highway, Kerrick Maryland Gate Rd, O’Keefes Rd and Tunnel Rd have been warned that conditions will soon be too dangerous to drive.
Ms Palaszczuk acknowledged Queenslanders’ desires to help with the bushfire effort, but warned that the scenes at the fire front were “very distressing” and directed residents toward donating to the Red Cross in order to help recovery efforts.
Arson fears after some fires
Police are investigating whether bushfires that forced the evacuation of homes on the Sunshine Coast were lit deliberately, as other parts of the state continue to battle intense blazes.
Sunshine Coast detectives are treating four bushfires which burned in the region in the last two weeks as suspicious.
Initial investigations indicate a fire at Beerwah last Sunday was deliberately lit near Stokes Rd about 10.30am.
Further, Queensland Police are investigating whether another fire in the Beerwah/Landsborough area on Saturday was also deliberately lit near a forestry clearing on Dianella Rd and Roys Rd, Beerwah about 1pm.
This fire caused police to issue a Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) later that night.
Steve Irwin Way was closed between Beerburrum and Landsborough from that emergency declaration.
Police are also investigating whether a bushfire in Beerwah on October 21 was suspicious.
It’s believed that fire started around 2pm near Roys Road.
Meanwhile, officers are also investigating whether a grass fire was sparked on Sattler Rd in Meridan Plains just before 9pm on October 23 after an offender tried to gain entry to a business by cutting the locks to a fence.
The building was destroyed by fire, however, emergency crews managed to contain the fire to that building and a small grassed area nearby.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
There are also warnings from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) as some residents have reportedly attempted to backburn around their properties as a means of protecting it from fire.
“A fire ban is in place for the majority of the state and we cannot risk anyone putting more fire into the landscape,” QFES said on social media.
“People who start fires risk creating an emergency situation and may put themselves, their property and others in danger.”
Southern Downs – leave immediately warning
Early on Tuesday, residents were told to leave their homes immediately while 70 bushfires burned across Queensland.
Residents in Wallangarra in the Southern Downs, where about 400 people live, have been warned to seek shelter immediately.
QFES issued the “deadly fire” alert about 2.20pm on Tuesday, warning residents “your life is in danger”.
SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY - Wallangarra - fire as at 2:18pm Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/XQ0w0EkDrS
“You need to SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY to survive,” QFES said.
“Do not try to leave. Driving now could be deadly.”
The New England Highway has been closed to all traffic between Wallangarra and Pyramids Road.
QFES issued another “leave immediately” warning for Western Downs residents in Tara, Montrose North, Wieambilla and The Gums at 10.52am on Tuesday.
Residents living between Wieambilla Rd, Chinchilla Tara Rd, Upper Humbug Rd, Drildool Rd, Joseph St and Clynes/Weitzels Rd are being warned to leave their properties immediately.
Rural Fire Service Queensland Joe Cullen said residents in the Tara region needed to listen to authorities and evacuate when told it is safe.
“With conditions today, these are the type of fires that will take life,” he said.
“If people remain in place and are unprepared, they shouldn’t expect us to be there on the spot because it is going to be a dangerous day.
“We are encouraging people to leave immediately. We have a bit of time left before the weather swings around and kicks with those westerlies.
“We’ve enacted an emergency warning now and we’ve issued an emergency alert for people to leave immediately.
“There still a bit of time for people to leave the area and get to a safe place.
“If we can get people out of the way that’s less worry for our fire crews.”
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY - Tara, Montrose North, Wieambilla and The Gums - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 10:52am Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) October 31, 2023
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/OCVjb8CGb9
Western Downs – ‘difficult conditions’
QFES Acting Superintendent Cameron Herbert said firefighters were continuing to battle intense bushfires in the Western Downs region, as weather conditions continue to make things difficult.
“This afternoon particularly from now on is going to be the hottest part of the day and obviously with the wind direction changing, that create a challenging environment with a change of fire direction,” he said.
“Planning we put in place and the resources we’ve strategically located them, hopefully we will allow us to contain the fire when we need it. It’s not a fire you can put out, we can’t extinguish it but we need to control (them).
“Today the crews started quite early to try and get hold before the weather came in.
“The wind direction change came in early.
“They been trying to work on the containment lines that were put in yesterday with the better conditions we had yesterday.
“They been working hard and managing this stage to this point to keep it into the areas needed.
“Obviously there is a westerly change coming this afternoon which can be a challenging environment and that’s what we are working to this stage.”
Western Downs Regional Council confirmed multiple emergency warnings remained in place as firefighters worked to control the bushfires.
“An ‘extreme fire danger’ has been issued for areas including the Western Downs,” the council stated on its Facebook page on Tuesday.
“With dangerous fire conditions expected to continue through this week, residents are urged to be extra vigilant.
“A total fire ban remains in place for the region.”
Weather Outlook
A high to extreme fire danger rating remains in place across southern and southeastern Queensland on Tuesday.
There remains 70 active vegetation fires across Queensland, with 85 structures lost in the southwestern region.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast stronger winds and gustier conditions will continue on Tuesday, causing concern for emergency services.
However, a cool change with showers and storm activity is forecast from Friday to Sunday.
Ms Palaszczuk said challenging weather conditions would make things difficult but emphasised ongoing support was available to those in crisis.
“Queenslanders always have each other’s backs – and we will be there for those who have lost everything,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Many of those evacuated near Tara are now in alternative accommodation.
“We are already planning more ways to help them back on their feet.”
Ms Palaszczuk urged people to listen to the advice of emergency services.
“Wherever you are in Queensland, please keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” she said.
“Make sure you’re prepared and always follow the advice of our emergency services.”
The Premier also thanked emergency service crews who have come to the aid of Queenslanders during the bushfires.
“I want to thank all of those involved in helping our communities during this time,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“That includes overseas and New Zealand fire crews who are coming to relieve our own firefighters.
“I want to thank once again all of those involved in helping our communities including interstate and New Zealand fire crews giving our own firefighters a much-needed break.
“Aircraft – including our LAT and NSW’s – are deployed where they can do the most good. Queensland’s arms continue to wrap around those who’ve lost everything in these fires.”
Iâve just received an update on Queenslandâs bushfires.
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 31, 2023
Challenging conditions are expected today, including strong winds.
There are more than 70 active fires across Queensland. pic.twitter.com/x2S6wA54Lo
A large aerial tanker has been moved to Toowoomba to assist crews battling fires on the Western Downs, while further south a NSW large aerial tanker was moved to Coffs Harbour.
It’s understood Victorian and NZ Fire crews and equipment are on their way to help crews battle ongoing blazes.
Many of those evacuated from bushfires near Tara are now in alternative accommodation.
As many as 30 households are being accommodated in Dalby, Tara and Chinchilla.
Meanwhile, other parts of the state are also on alert as bushfires continue to burn.
Colosseum and Kogan residents have also been warned to “prepare to leave” by authorities.
The warnings were issued by QFES at 11.50am on Tuesday.
Those properties between Bariveloe Rd and Clarkes Rd, Colosseum and between Montrose Rd, Tara Kogan Rd and Weitzels Rd in Kogan are being warned to prepare to leave.
“A large fire is burning between Lowmead Rd and the Bruce Highway,” QFES warned.
“It is travelling towards the Bruce Highway, Clarkes Rd and MacKellor Rd.
“A dangerous fire is burning near Upper Humbug Rd. It is travelling towards Bennett School Rd.
“Conditions could get worse quickly.”
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