Heightened fire level not over

Western Downs region remains at a heightened level of fire danger.

READY TO RESPOND: Western Downs region remains at a heightened level of fire danger. Picture: Bev Lacey

QUEENSLAND Fire and Emergency Services are asking the community of Western Downs to stay vigilant as the region remains at a heightened level of fire danger.

The most significant fire this week was at Wieambilla on Monday, which then spread over several hundred hectares and had multiple structures under threat but was brought under control by 5.30pm on Monday afternoon with a fire investigation being conducted.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Dalby area commander Inspector Warren Buckley said the fire was still active within containment lines, with rural and QGC crews in attendance and monitoring the situation and was under control.

"But with the severe weather approaching we are asking people in that area to stay vigilant and anywhere close to bush or grasslands to make sure you have escape plans ready to go because we are expecting a heatwave again early next week,” he said.

"It is not over by any means.”

Inspector Buckley said the community needed to be prepared and ready to act when the temperature rises.

"This week we are coming into an a real severe fire danger and we are asking people to be very cautious,” he said.

"All permits to burn have been cancelled for this week until Friday afternoon.

"We have crews on a heightened level of alert and ready to respond as required.”

Originally published as Heightened fire level not over