Pentland, Torrens Creek outback bushfires finally brought under control

Firefighters from across Queensland, supported by cattle farmers, have contained a massive fire that burned through 1200 hectares of bush west of Townsville in just two weeks.

A volunteer firefighter labelled simply ‘Poster Boy’ takes a break during efforts to contain monster fire that has consumed 1200 hectares of outback bush west of Townsville in just two weeks. Picture: Torrens Creek Rural Fire Brigade

Firefighters from across Queensland, supported by cattle farmers, have contained a massive fire that burned through 1200 hectares of bush west of Townsville in just two weeks.

Rural Fire Service Queensland Superintendent Helaine Gordon said a total of about 250 professional firefighters, volunteers and members of the community, along with nine fire appliances, three waterbombing aircraft, six graders, two bulldozers and two water tankers, had been involved in the prolonged battle in challenging terrain.

“One of the things we find in the really remote locations is how much the community binds together in times of need,” she said.

“It’s amazing what can be achieved when we are well connected in the community, and that’s the whole purpose of Rural Fire Brigades: neighbours banding together helping neighbours to achieve the overall goal of … protecting their communities.”

Queensland Fire Department confirmed that fires at Pentland and Torrens Creek near White Mountains National Park sparked between Hughenden and Charters Towers on October 28 had been brought under control on Monday.

A volunteer firefighter labelled simply ‘Poster Boy’ takes a break during efforts to contain monster fire that has consumed 1200 hectares of outback bush west of Townsville in just two weeks. Picture: Torrens Creek Rural Fire Brigade

The extent of the damage to grazing land is yet to be calculated but is considered extensive.

Superintendent Gordon said it was a team effort to fight the fire, including with the help of AgForce, the Local Disaster Management Groups of both the Charters Towers and Flinders shire councils and Queensland National Parks crews.

Exhausted Prairie Rural Fire Brigade crews working at Rellum and Springhill taking a breather on November 8. Picture: Tom Duddy-Supplied

“We also had assistance from Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service who helped with a variety of things like community safety, firefighter safety, all those sorts of components.”

Volunteer firefighters post a photo titled 'incoming' during efforts to fight a monster fire that consumed 1200 hectares of outback bush west of Townsville in just two weeks. Picture: Torrens Creek Rural Fire Brigade

She said community groups and individuals had provided a range of assistance, including food, amenities and even a place to grab a quick sleep on the fly during the battle to protect their community.

“I just want to continue to reiterate saying ‘thank you’ to everyone that has dedicated tireless effort and time to the current bushfires that we have and will continue to have until we do get some substantial rain.”

A large bushfire burning near Torrens Creek. Picture: Rural Fire Service Queensland-Queensland Fire Department

Superintendent Gordon said there were currently multiple volunteer and full-time permanent positions covering a variety of different roles available with RFSQ on the QFD website.

“We’re nearly doubling our workforce across Queensland in all realms … we’ve got jobs at Mt Isa, Charters Towers, Townsville, Mareeba, Cairns … and down into southeast Queensland as well,” she said.

“If anyone’s ever been interested in a career in the rural fire service, now is definitely the time to look into it.”

Originally published as Pentland, Torrens Creek outback bushfires finally brought under control