A fire ban for Ipswich has been extended until 11.59pm on Friday December 20.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) extended the local fire ban for parts of South East Region, including for residents in the Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley local government areas.
Heightened fire conditions are perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.
Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled.
Fires lit for the purpose of cooking are permitted under a local fire ban provided they are not left unattended, are within a properly constructed barbeque, smoker or oven and managed appropriately.
Fires lit for the purpose of burning standing sugar cane for harvest in accordance with the established practice in the industry are also permitted, between 1800 hrs and 0500 hrs and with a permit to burn, issued by a local fire warden.
Fires lit for the purpose of disposing of the carcass of a beast are permitted provided a permit has been issued by the local fire warden.
Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start.
This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.
Information on fire bans and the exemptions that can apply can be found on the RFS website, www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
