Fire alert issued for Tara

A large, fast-moving fire is burning near Chinchilla Tara Road and Spinifex Road, including Males Road, Tara.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service has issued a Prepare to Leave alert for Tara, as of 2.58pm, October 15.

It covers properties between Chinchilla Tara Road and Spinifex Road, including Males Road, Tara.

A fast-moving fire is burning near Males Road. It is travelling towards Chinchilla Tara Road.

Firefighters are working to contain the fire. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.

If your life is in danger, call triple-0 (000) immediately.

QFES has deployed more than a dozen ground crews to the scene, along with earthmoving equipment to cut fire breaks.

Water bombers are also active over the fireground.

There are unconfirmed reports that several homes are under threat.

What you should do:

– If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.

– Prepare now so you can leave quickly if the bushfire gets close:

– Decide where you and the people you live with will go. This could be with family or a friend away from the fire. Plan how you will get there. Tell others where you will go.

– Charge mobile phones and power banks.

– Be ready to take your pets, pet food, pet lead or crate/carrier.

– Pack a bag with a mobile phone charger, enough clothes for five days, important documents (like ID, insurance papers, passports and photos), medicine, cash and keys.

– If you do not drive, call your support service, a family member or a friend to organise transport if you need to leave or want to leave.

– If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option.

– Keep medications close by.

– Move flammable items away from your house if you can.

– Help others if it’s safe to do so.

– Watch out for firefighters working in the area.

– Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.

The alert some as QFES issued a total fire ban for South East Queensland from 1.01am Sunday to 11.59 Tuesday.

The ban affects the Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Ipswich, Scenic Rim and Logan Local Government Areas.

Current fire conditions are perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.

Under a local fire ban open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled.

Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start.

This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.