RESIDENTS are urged to obey local fire bans as heightened fire conditions are experienced across the state.
Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson Steve Hadley said he wanted people to take care across the weekend, with the high fire risk expected to continue into early next week.
“Over the next few days temperatures are going to heat up across many parts of state and they are going to be quite unusual for the time of year, for September,” he said.
“We are going to be seeing temperatures increasing and also the winds increasing, which will elevate the fire danger.”
The announcement followed the enactment of fire bans, including a total fire ban for 24 hours, issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services last week.
Jimboomba fire station Captain Bernie Savage said no new permits were being issued in the area and he urged people to be very careful throughout the weekend.
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“We find that people want to get out in the nicer weather and do yard work,” he said.
“This can escalate and be a fire risk if power tools whihc spark are being used, or if mowers get clogged with dry grass.
“We just want people to keep to the general precautions.
“Stay hydrated and have fire suppression measures in place such as hoses if outdoor work is being completed.”
Mr Savage urged residents to be aware of how they are discarding cigarette butts as well.
Rural Fire Service Area Director Clinton Neumann said large pockets of south-east Queensland are experiencing fire conditions not seen in more than 20 years.
“A fire that starts under these conditions has the potential to rapidly spread, threaten lives and properties and be difficult to contain,” he said.
QFES Deputy Commissioner Mark Roche said a warm and dry winter meant withered grass, parched bushland and dead leaves had become primed to burn.
“The high level of fire activity is uncharacteristic for this time of year,” he said.
“The ground is exceptionally dry and large parts of Queensland are like a powder keg right now.”
Mr Roche said all fires should be reported to Triple Zero (000) immediately.
“The sooner people make the call, the sooner we can respond,” he said.
Member for Logan Linus Power said this was a good reminder for residents to prepare a bushfire survival plan.
Visit ruralfire.qld.gov.au for more information on how to prepare a bushfire survival plan and to locate a local fire warden.
