FIREFIGHTERS are bracing for more bushfires as dry weather and wind gusts heighten fire risks across the state.
Very high fire danger levels are expected across nearly all of Queensland by Sunday.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said authorities had taken preemptive measures to counter risks, with extra fire crew on standby.
“A very high fire danger will envelop most of the state this weekend and early next week, meaning any bushfires that ignite could spread rapidly and be difficult to control,” she said.
Local fire bans were imposed across Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer, Logan, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast council areas on August 10 until further notice, with fire permits cancelled yesterday across Redland City, Moreton Bay and Brisbane until midnight on Monday, August 20.
Ms Carroll said people needed to heed local fire bans and permit suspensions, which were put in place for community safety.
“Decisions to impose bans and suspend permits are not made lightly but they are essential to protect people in bushfire-prone areas," she said.
“We cannot chance a fire breaking out this weekend and early next week.”
Ms Carroll urged people to protect themselves by being careful when working outside with tools and machinery and making bushfire survival plans.
“The smallest spark from welding, grinding, slashing and mowing is enough to start a fire this weekend and early next week, so anyone using power tools or machinery must be extra vigilant,” she said.
“The intense start to the 2018 bushfire season is also a timely reminder to everyone to have a bushfire survival plan so they know what to do if a fire breaks out.”
