The North and South Burnett regions will face an increased risk of bushfires tomorrow, with the state’s firefighting service urging locals to prepare ahead of time.
The Queensland Fire Department has published its fire danger rating forecast for Saturday, 30 August, increasing the Wide Bay and Burnett region’s hazard category from the previous day’s ‘moderate’ to ‘high’.
‘High’ is the third-most severe category on the five-rating scale, eclipsed only by ‘severe’ and ‘catastrophic’. A rating of ‘high’ means residents of the affected area should endeavour to stay informed of any fires breaking out near them, as their lives and properties may be at risk.
QFD’s fire danger forecasts for Sunday 31 August and Monday 1 September will see the Wide Bay and Burnett region revert to a ‘moderate’ rating, but a spokesperson for the organisation said locals should not become complacent by the drop.
“Ensure you’re across conditions in your area and have appropriate safety measures in place, particularly if you have plans to reduce vegetation on your property or burn a large amount of green waste,” they said.
Les Prickett from the Ballogie Rural Fire Brigade told residents of the South Burnett locality to ensure their properties are prepared for potential fire outbreaks.
Mr Prickett suggested locals should clean their gutters, roofs and other areas of their house of any leaf litter and similar flammable materials, as well as cut their lawns and trim low-hanging tree branches to deprive an emerging bushfire of material.
The Burnett firefighter also said property owners should consider installing screens on their homes’ windows and air vents in an effort to prevent any stray embers from entering their structures.
Those owning water systems like pumps should check they are operational and well-maintained.
Mr Prickett urged Burnett locals to prepare a bushfire survival plan if they do not already have one in place, stressing the importance of having an emergency kit and safety measures in place for pets, children and other vulnerable parties.
To check your region’s fire danger rating, visit fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfire/fire-danger-ratings.
