Scores of residents told to leave as fast moving blaze tests firefighters
Almost 80 people living in Queensland’s Western Downs region are being urged to prepare to leave their homes as firefighters battle a major bushfire in the region.
Damage from bushfires around Tara. (AAP Image/Supplied by Energex)
Warnings have been stepped up for residents of Kowguran and Myall Park, about 300km northwest of Brisbane, on Wednesday afternoon.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service has alerted about 80 locals to “prepare to leave” as it battles a “fast-moving” blaze burning across more than 27,000 hectares.
“Conditions could get worse quickly,” QFES said in an alert on Wednesday afternoon.
“Firefighters are working to contain the fire however you should not expect a firefighter at your door. Firefighting aircraft may assist ground crews.”
Locals in nearby Hookswood and Guluguba are also urged to monitor conditions, refer to their bushfire survival plans and be prepared to leave if the situation changes.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the fire danger for the region remained high with temperatures reaching 34.3C in Miles on Wednesday.
The alert comes after warnings were downgraded for two other fires burning to the south and east of the Miles blaze.
About 120 locals in Fairyland and Burra Burri, near Jandowae, have been urged to stay informed about a large bushfire by monitoring social media or local radio.
A second is affecting parts of Montrose and Wieambilla, near Tara.
Residents who had left the area were advised they could return but to be aware of unstable buildings and hot embers.
The Tara fire is also believed to have impacted at least 20 structures, including homes and sheds.
No fatalities or significant injuries have been reported.
Queensland Emergency Service Minister Mark Ryan said the fires had been challenging to contain in the hot, dry and windy conditions.
“Hours of water-bombing operations and hundreds of Fire and Rescue Service and Rural Fire Service personnel continue to make a heroic effort to bring these fires finally under control,” he said.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Senator Murray Watt said Western Downs communities could access personal hardship assistance jointly funded with the state government.
Watt said the funding could help cover the cost of essential items for people and families.
“I recognise that this is an extremely stressful time for evacuated residents currently in temporary accommodation,” he said.
