Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issue prepare to leave warning amid Kumbarilla State Forest fire

An official prepare to leave warning has been issued for the second time this week as firefighters work to contain a giant blaze moving across the Western Downs.

Fire crews are working to contain a “large, slow-moving” blaze spreading towards Cecil Plains in the Western Downs region.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued a prepare to leave warning at 12.33pm on Thursday afternoon as the Kumbarilla State Forest fire continues to spread.

“A large, slow-moving fire is burning in Kumbarilla State Forest. It is travelling towards Cecil Plains Moonie Rd,” the QFES warning said.

“Conditions could get worse quickly.

“Firefighters are working to contain the fire. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews.”

Residents in the vicinity of Cecil Plains Moonie Rd near the Kumbarilla State Forest are being advised to prepared to watch and act.

“If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now. Prepare now so you can leave quickly if the bushfire gets close.”

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.

– Stay informed:

– Keep checking the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website.

– Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter.

– Listen to your local radio station.

Impacts

– No properties are at risk but conditions could get worse quickly.

– The fire is likely to impact the community later today.

– Smoke can make it hard for some people to breathe.

– Smoke can make it hard to see when you are driving.

– Burning embers may reach properties. Try to put them out quickly with water.

– Roads may be closed or impacted.

– Power, water, and mobile phone services may be impacted as the fire gets closer.

Originally published as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issue prepare to leave warning amid Kumbarilla State Forest fire