Western Downs bushfires: Evacuate, watch-and-act orders
Communities have been ordered to evacuate and multiple homes have been destroyed as a series of out of control bushfires rage across the Western Downs.
QLD News
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Multiple structures, including homes, have been destroyed as a series of out-of-control bushfires rage across Queensland’s Western Downs region.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued multiple warnings on Monday and into Tuesday as parts of the Western Downs came under direct threat from bushfires.
An overnight emergency fire warning for Myall Park and Hookswood has been updated at 10.21am stating the fast-moving fire is expected to impact Ryalls Road in the next few hours.
The warning has stated it will soon be too dangerous to drive, with other major roads expected to be impacted.
Residents have been told to evacuate immediately as the blaze poses danger of smoke inhalation.
The uncontained fire has burnt out more than 7400 hectares with two sheds and farming equipment destroyed. Aircrews have been called in to assist.
A total of 880 hectares have been affected by a fire burning in the Tara district, which remains out of control and uncontained. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines in the area.
A QFES Spokeswoman said up to 92 damage assessments were made on Monday and will continue today.
“We urge residents to stay updated on the situation today as it continues to change,” she said.
More than 20 structures have been lost including several houses and sheds. No serious injuries have been reported.
Near Jandowae, Fairyland and Burra Burri residents were advised at 6.20am Tuesday they should prepare to leave, with people in Montrose and Wieambilla told to monitor current conditions at 6.22am.
“A large, fast-moving fire is travelling from Nudley State Forest towards Burra Burri Creek Rd and Davis Rd … a firefighting aircraft may assist ground crews,” QFES warned on Monday afternoon.
They said conditions could get worse quickly as firefighters worked to contain the blaze however residents should not expect a firefighter at your door.
Two other warnings were active on Wednesday, with residents at Kobble Creek and Wolvi advised to stay informed as fires burned between Hipathites and Aitcheson roads near Samsonvale, and Wolvi Mountain and Sunshine roads near Gympie.
So far, five people have been taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation as a result of the blazes.
Fire danger ratings are expected to stay in place well into Monday night, with weather conditions over the next few days only expected to worsen the conditions.
Originally published as Western Downs bushfires: Evacuate, watch-and-act orders
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