FIRES burnt through bushland around Townsville this week as the state remains on alert with a very high fire danger continuing.
Crystal Creek and Mutarnee residents were placed under a ‘watch and act’ earlier this week as a fire which broke out near Mount Spec Road at Paluma continued to burn.
That has since been revoked, though residents are being warned to continue to prepare their properties.
Another vegetation fire which started near Noyland Road at Alligator Creek on Sunday, did not pose any threat to property.
Firefighters across the state responded to 290 bushfires in the 24 hours until 8am on Monday, with Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carroll urging people to keep up-to-date with what was happening in their area.
“Firefighters have worked extremely hard over the weekend as conditions have been very challenging with no reprieve in sight,” Ms Carroll said.
“About 800 bushfires have been reported since Wednesday with more than 290 reported in the 24 hours (until 8am on Monday).
“We are expecting bushfire activity to remain high over the coming days and it is imperative the public remain up-to-date and follow all instructions.
“There has already been a Prepare to Leave (Watch and Act) warning for Crystal Creek and this just shows a bushfire can start and spread at any time, day or night.”
Mr Crawford praised the ongoing efforts of QFES staff and volunteers.
“Our crews are doing a wonderful job but unfortunately that job isn’t over – with weather forecasts suggesting there will be more of the same in the weeks and months ahead.”
Fire bans had been imposed in the Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast local government areas early in the week.
Mr Crawford said residents in urban and semi-rural areas, and major landholders could all play a part in reducing the bushfire threat.
“Measures include clearing leaves, twigs, bark and debris from roofs and gutters, and trimming low-lying branches around the home or yard.
“All of these actions can make a big difference in an emergency.”