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Tara evacuees sent to Dalby township as ‘erratic’ fire continues through Western Downs

Hundreds of people who were forced out of their homes to escape multiple out-of-control bushfires have made their way to a nearby town to seek refuge at larger evacuation centres, with it being announced the local school will be shut until further notice.

Second body found in Queensland bushfire

Dozens of people originally seeking shelter at a Tara evacuation centre after being forced to leave their homes as walls of fires consumed properties in the Western Downs have begun to fill up the Dalby Events Centre and Showgrounds.

It was announced on Wednesday by QFES Acting Chief Superintendent Regional Operations Centre Coordinator Warren Buckley that the Western Downs Regional Council would be transferring the 300 evacuees from Tara to Dalby.

At the new evacuation centre families have set up caravans and tents to live out of until it is declared safe to return to their homes.

Many people stood on their phones, dozens of kids ran around playing with one another and groups of people were seen huddled around tables making the most out of a shocking turn of events.

Dalby Events Centre and Showgrounds have been transformed into evacuation centres for Tara fire victims.
Dalby Events Centre and Showgrounds have been transformed into evacuation centres for Tara fire victims.

On Monday night Queensland Fire and Emergency Services announced multiple ‘Leave Immediately’ warnings that saw people in the Wieambilla, Kogan and Tara area begin to evacuate from their homes.

The fires have now tragically taken two lives, destroyed more than 11,000 ha of land, hour homes and one shed.

Supt Buckley said in a meeting held in Tara earlier in the day that they would not be evacuating the town.

He said QFES would deploy it’s large aerial tanker out of Bundaberg to lay fire retardant to the north of the Tara township, which will be reinforced with firebreaks cut by WDRC staff and contractors.

The announcement also came just before the principal of Tara Shire State College Belinda Walker sent students home with a letter that said the school would be shutting down until further notice after receiving advice from the Department of Education.

The letter also said, “Parents are advised to collect your children if it is safe to do so, staff will remain on site until all children, including those travelling home by bus have left the school”.

Ms Walker also said she urged families to continue monitoring the situation through the local ABC radio or any media channels and follow the advice of QFES.

An aerial view of the bushfire sweeping Tara, October 2023. Picture: QFES
An aerial view of the bushfire sweeping Tara, October 2023. Picture: QFES

Supt Buckley also told residents that fireys would have ample time to prevent the fire from spreading to the township however still threatened multiple homes.

“With the erratic behaviour of the Tara fire at the moment, multiple houses could be under threat, hence why we put out those warnings leave immediately,” he said.

“The alerts will be for areas where there could be loss of homes.”

Many residents had to leave behind precious belongings and animals including wildlife carer Chris Mansell who opened her gate to let out the kangaroos she cared for and left behind a horse, and despite being made aware her property was intact, remains wary for others who may not be so lucky.

Originally published as Tara evacuees sent to Dalby township as ‘erratic’ fire continues through Western Downs

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/dalby/tara-evacuees-sent-to-dalby-township-as-erratic-fire-continues-through-western-downs/news-story/42168f6ac077a18924e6c1f535638dd3