Smoke gets in your eyes: planned burns fire up around Brisbane
Brisbane residents have been warned to expect a lot of smoke haze over the next few weeks as fire authorities take advantage of expected good weather conditions to increase hazard reduction burns.
Image: QFES
The dry conditions and light winds forecast offer a chance for the Queensland Rural Fire Service to get on top of the job of preparing for bushfire season in south-east Queensland.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have already issued four smoke warnings south-east Queensland areas since Monday, with smoke a near constant presence in the air west of Brisbane.
Queensland RFS regional manager Tim Chittenden said RFS crews across greater Brisbane – including the Redlands, Bribie Island and west Brisbane area – were making the most of favourable weather conditions.
“In recent years the greater Brisbane area has experienced severe bushfires, which is why bushfire prevention is crucial,” he said.
“These burns reduce the fire fuel load in high risk areas and are vital to protecting life and property during bushfire season.
“As our crews undertake this important bushfire mitigation work, residents may experience a smoke haze in their area. Residents who are affected should close windows and doors, and keep respiratory medications close by if they need them.”
Queensland’s bushfire season traditionally runs from August to November.
