Evacuate: Fire warning issued for Wongi State Forest

Fire crews have contained a huge fire in Wongi State Forest after an emergency evacuation warning was issued for campgrounds and homes between Maryborough and Bundaberg.

Emergency services attempting to control and extinguish the blaze. Picture: Queensland Fire and Emergency Service

Fire crews contained a “large, dangerous” fire that was burning in the Wongi State Forest and threatening campgrounds and nearby properties on Saturday.

Firefighters finally got the blaze under control at around 8.30pm on Saturday.

As of 9am on Sunday, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services had passed fire management back to Queensland Parks and Wildlife for monitoring and the alert was taken down.

At 2.59pm on Saturday there was an emergency warning issued for anyone in the impacted area to “leave immediately”.

At its height the fire impacted Lake Lenthall and Wongi State Forest (near Duckinwilla west of Maryborough and Howard) and there was a warning for the areas between Top End Mines Rd, Top Rd, Lenthall Dam Rd and Lake Lenthall, including Kellogum Forestry Rd.

On Saturday afternoon Queensland Police helped emergency services evacuate campers from the state forest, with ambulance services on stand-by to treat any injuries.

Twelve rural fire crews were scene on Saturday, with two additional water tankers standing by and there was also air support available.

What you should do in an emergency

• Leave now and follow your bushfire survival plan now.
• Go to a place away from the Emergency Warning area.
• Plan how you will get there. Tell others where you are going.
• Check for road closures before you leave at the QLD Traffic website or call 13 19 40.
• Wear protective clothing and stay hydrated.
• Keep medications close by.
• Keep checking the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website.
• Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter
• Listen to your local radio station
• Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.

Impacts

• Conditions could get worse quickly and properties may be impacted.
• Firefighters may not be able to stop the fire from getting closer.
• Do not expect a firefighter at your door.
• Power, water, and mobile phone services may stop working soon.
• Smoke will make it hard to see and breathe. The smoke will sting your eyes.
• It will be hot and loud. You may hear explosions nearby.
• The sky will be dark.
• You could be isolated. If you can’t leave safely
• Turn garden sprinklers on to soak the ground.
• Bring doormats and outdoor furniture inside or away from the house.
• Block downpipes at the top and fill gutters with water if you can.
• Find a safe place to shelter, preferably inside a brick building.
• Close windows, doors and vents.
• Seal gaps under doors and windows with wet towels.
• Fill containers with water for drinking and firefighting.
• Bring pets inside. Give them water to drink. Keep them safe.

Originally published as Evacuate: Fire warning issued for Wongi State Forest