Yeppoon - WATCH AND ACT MESSAGE

Update: ADVICE: Burua – large bushfire

Ten Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) crews are attending to a large bushfire burning in the vicinity of Koowim Drive, Haddock Drive, Glen Lyon Road and Mt Rolo Road at Burua, west of Gladstone. This fire broke out just before 11am. This fire is currently moving in a south easterly direction towards Amadale Heights. There is no immediate threat to property however residents are urged to remain vigilant. If residents are concerned their property is under threat they should call triple zero (000) immediately.

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is advising residents on Yeppoon Road in Barmoya and Cawarral who are located between Mt Jim Crow and Dairy Inn Road to start enacting their bushfire plans and prepare for a bushfire in their area.

At 4pm a large bushfire was located at Old Byfield Road. The fast moving fire is travelling in a south easterly direction and is expected to impact the areas of Yeppoon Road between Mt Jim Crow and Dairy Inn Road in the next two to six hours.

This fire is moving quickly and firefighters are experiencing difficulty in controlling it. Spot fires may occur ahead of the fire front and embers are also being thrown from the fire.

Residents are strongly advised to be prepared to relocate to a safer area if required. Leaving is the safest option for survival in a bushfire.

Well prepared and defended homes can offer safety during the fire and may be defendable.

Currently, twenty fire crews are working to contain the blaze but firefighters may not be able to protect every affected property and residents should not expect a firefighter at their door.

Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.

Residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:

• Put on protective clothing
• Drink lots of water
• Move car/s to a safe location
• Close windows and doors and shut blinds
• Bring pets inside and restrain them (leash, cage or secure room) and provide water
• Wet down fine fuels close to buildings
• Remove garden furniture, doormats and other items
• Seal all gaps under doors and screens
• Fill containers with water - eg bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins, etc
• Have ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside)
• Have generator or petrol pump ready
• Check and patrol outside for embers and extinguish any spot fires and seek shelter as the fire front arrives.

Regular updated information will be provided on the QFRS Rural Operations website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or at www.fire.qld.gov.au or by listening to their local radio station.