A very high fire danger is in force for Ipswich and surrounding regions this weekend, as strong winds and hot temperatures continue.
While there are no known bushfires burning in Ipswich, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned that high temperatures and a severe storm would intensify the fire danger.
“Expect Saturday’s temperature to be 38 degrees Celsius, which is 8 degrees above average for this time of the year,” meteorologist Jessica Gardner said.
“A severe storm is expected on Sunday, but only a few millimetres of rain is forecast, so it’s more likely to hamper than help firefighting efforts.
“Winds gusts of 90km per hour are expected, but strong winds will start to ease on Monday.
“Temperatures will cool to 35 degrees on Sunday.”
More than 60 bushfires are burning across the state, with a State of Emergency declared across 42 Local Government Areas, including Ipswich.
The following estates and reserves, including day-use picnic areas, remain closed until further notice.
– Purga Nature Reserve
– White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate
– Flinders – Goolman Conservation Estate (including Harding’s Paddock Camp Ground)
– Ric Nattrass Environmental Park
– Mt Grandchester Conservation Estate
– Cameron’s Scrub Conservation Estate
– Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve
– Stirling Road Reserve, and
– Hillview Drive Reserve
A fire ban is in force, which prohibits the lighting of all types of outdoor fires.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing said the ban was necessary to prevent further fires igniting.
Fire danger warnings at Tarome, Clumber and Spicers Peak Lodge in the Scenic Rim region have been downgraded to ‘Watch and Act’.
Firefighters have also spent the week battling blazes south west of Ipswich at Rosevale and in Thornton in Lockyer Valley.
Keep up to date by:
• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandEmergencyServices) and Twitter (@QldFES)
• Staying tuned to your local radio station.
Find your local ABC radio station https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland
• Signing up to Emergency alerts from the Early Warning Network
• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
Further information:
• For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety
• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
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