Two large-scale grass fires in the South Burnett on Monday afternoon – one of which threatened to consume a structure and required air support – have caused the Queensland Fire Department to issue smoke alerts to affected residents.
IRONPOT
Rural Fire Service firefighters were called to Ironpot Road and Jumma Road in Ironpot west of Kumbia around 1:34pm on Monday, 23 September.
A total of 11 RFS crews are currently battling a large grass fire at the location, with a further crew on the way.
A spokesperson for the Queensland Fire Department said firies are creating firebreaks and conducting backburning to eliminate any fuel sources in an effort to keep the fire from spreading further.
No structures are under threat from the blaze; the fire had reportedly been burning for multiple days but has recently grown in size requiring an increased presence of firefighters.
WYALLA
RFS crews were also called to Schumacher Gap Road and the Burnett Highway at Wyalla north of Nanango around 12:25pm.
As of writing, seven crews are on scene with a further two on the way.
The QFD reported at least one structure in the area was under threat from the quickly-growing grass fire, which is around 40 hectares in size; however, firefighters were able to protect the property.
Firefighters called in air support to map the fire’s spread while they worked on the ground to contain the blaze via backburning and firebreaks.
The QFD has also tasked heavy machinery such as dozers and graders to the scene to put in further firebreaks.
SMOKE WARNINGS
Both fires have triggered smoke alerts from the Queensland Fire Department.
Residents in the affected areas are asked to stay inside and close their windows and doors.
Those with respiratory issues are asked to keep their medication nearby and await further direction from firefighters, as the situation may change suddenly.
Visit fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents for any further information and instructions.
