Heightened fire weather conditions for Coast over weekend
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is reminding Sunshine Coast residents to be cautious and vigilant with heightened fire weather conditions forecast for the weekend.
QFRS North Coast Manager for Rural Operations Peter Hollier said a very high fire danger had been predicted for Saturday, with conditions on Sunday improving but strong winds contributing to poor fire weather in the region. "While the QFRS is well prepared to fight potential fires, prevention is important," Mr Hollier said.
"The western areas of the region in particular will suffer from poor conditions.
"Strong winds are expected, temperatures will be high and relative humidity will be low, making it very difficult to contain vegetation fires, so we're asking residents to take extra care and be alert."
Mr Hollier said firefighters had already seen a lot of fire activity this week and were well-prepared to fight fires this weekend, but residents could assist by preparing their homes and properties.
"If they haven't done so already, I urge residents to finalise preparing their property and visit the Rural Fire Service website to download a bushfire survival plan so that no one is caught off guard," he said.
"Landowners who have conducted hazard reduction burns recently are strongly encouraged to take immediate steps to ensure their fire has been properly extinguished or to make sure the residual fire is contained so that it will not escape with the forecast winds in the coming days.
"We are also asking people to ensure they are not throwing cigarette butts out of car windows and to be careful when operating machinery in grassed areas."
More information on how to prepare for bushfire season can be found at ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
