STAY ADVISED: 300-acre Moffatdale fire

Planes have provided aerial support to the firefighters attending to the Moffatdale fire. (Julian Lehnert: 428436_10)

Smoke from a massive fire is currently affecting the Moffatdale region this afternoon, 28 August.

A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson stated that the fire around Silver Perch Road was called in at around 12.30pm.

A total of 14 crews were on scene at the fire which was estimated to be around 123 hectares or just over 300 acres in size; as of writing, the fire is under control.

A QFD spokesperson on scene stated the fire was believed to have started near Lake Barambah before the wind blew it south.

The fire jumped from one paddock across Silver Perch Road on to another parcel of land, growing along the way.

QFD tasked two planes and one helicopter to provide aerial support, with the planes drawing water from the lake, to drop on to the fire from above.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics were also on standby.

QFD’s spokesperson stated there was no risk for structural damage to properties along Silver Perch Road.

The Queensland Fire Department urged residents to stay up to date with any changes to the situation.

Residents in the area are encouraged to:

– Stay inside and close windows and doors

– Keep respiratory medication close by

– Follow your bushfire survival plan now.

– Avoid driving through smoke if you can

– Watch out for firefighters working in the area

– Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.