By Jeremy Cook
The Granite Belt Rural Fire Brigade’s chief fire warden Pedro Curr has urged landholders to be hyper vigilant this bushfire season.
The reminder coincides with state and federal warnings from authorities who are preparing for Australia’s worst bushfire season in four years.
Two fires in Amiens and Ballandean in mid-September have already prompted local fire crews into action.
Fires elsewhere at Cecil Plains near Toowoomba last month have also kept firefighters busy.
Mr Curr said unless the region receives some timely rain, current dry conditions could prove problematic.
“It’s dry everywhere at the moment,” he said.
“I think people just have to be aware with their lawnmowers and any stuff that’s going to start fires.
“Just be careful and don’t light fires, it’s as simple as that.”
The Bureau of Meteorology elevated its fire danger rating to “high” for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt region for the week starting October 2.
Mr Curr said people needed to take that extra bit of caution given the conditions after crews fought a fire ignited by a lawnmower in Ballandean last month.
“People have just got to be aware of what’s going on at the present time,” he said.
“Just because of the conditions we have at the moment and it takes us time to get to it.”
If there is a fire, however, Mr Curr said people should “ring triple zero and give them accurate information”.
Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said it was critical that residents, particularly in rural communities, are prepared for any threat this summer.
“The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a high fire danger is likely to impact Queensland over the coming months,” Mr Furner said.
“I urge pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans,” he said.
“Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape.
“If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food and clean water, bowls and toilet litter or old newspapers.
“If they are to be left at home, secure them in an appropriate confined space, preferably inside, elevated and under cover, and provide access to ample food and water.”
Mr Curr, whose involvement with local fire brigades spans more than 30 years, called on anyone who might be physically capable to consider volunteering.
“We are struggling,” he said.
“Volunteers are getting harder and harder to get these days.”
