
Warning as bushfire season heats up
AS A grass and scrub fire in Wattle Camp continues to burn into its seventh day, fire crews are pleading with people to get bushfire ready.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said it was a busy weekend for rural fire crews as they fought two more fires in Taabinga and Hodgleigh.
The spokeswoman said the two fires were contained by rural fire crews at the weekend and were no longer an issue, but the Wattle Camp fire continued to burn.
She said rural fire trucks were sent out to contain the fire along Old Wondai Rd and McGuire Rd, but there was no need for residents to worry.
"It's absolutely no threat to buildings or properties," she said. It's unknown how the fire started, but she said "wind in the area picked it up and it went".
Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade first officer Les Lee said teams were brought up from the Sunshine Coast to take workload off the local crews.
He said the South Burnett currently faced even harsher conditions than most areas.
"It's worse here at the moment just because we've had no rain," he said.
Mr Lee said some much-needed rain would help to minimise bushfire risk.
"A couple of inches would be nice," he said.
Mr Lee urged people to prepare their properties ahead of this year's bushfire season.
"Keep them well-maintained, get leaves out of the gutters and have a good water supply," he said.
Mr Lee said risks were heightened in hotter and windy weather.
With temperatures predicted to reach 31 degrees this week, he urged caution.
To learn more, visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
