A FIRE fire ban has been put in place for the Scenic Rim, Logan, Gold Coast, Lockyer, Somerset and Ipswich local government areas until Friday night.
Rural Fire Service south east regional manager Alan Gillespie said heightened fire conditions meant the weather was perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.
“Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all permits to light fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled,” Mr Gillespie said.
Mr Gillespie said barbecue and sugarcane fires were permitted if not left unattended.
“Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however the QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start,” he said.
“This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.”
Increasing temperatures, dry air and moderate to fresh south-westerly winds will deliver very high fire danger ratings across much of the state Thursday and Friday.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said due to fire weather conditions, extra firefighting crews were on standby.
Ms Carroll said QFES had responded to more than 2500 bushfires and issued more than 600 bushfire warnings since the start of August.
“On average, our personnel have attended 60 fires each day across the state, with no sign of bushfire activity slowing down,” she said.
“Many of the crews responding to these fires include Rural Fire Service volunteers and Fire and Rescue Service auxiliary firefighters.
“We are very thankful for the support QFES receives from the Queensland business community, which allows our dedicated volunteers and auxiliary firefighters flexibility.
“Those flexible working arrangements ensure our dedicated workforce is able to help protect the people of Queensland during critical times of need.”
Ms Carroll said while firefighters were well-prepared, Queensland residents should also ensure they were ready and had a bushfire survival plan in place.
“Whether you live on the urban fringe or in a regional or rural area, please ensure you and your family know exactly what actions you will take should a bushfire threaten your property,” she said.
