Large part of Queensland under total fire ban
A total fire ban has been issued for parts of South-West Queensland today due to conditions which authorities fear could spark bushfires.
The ban is in place for residents across the Toowoomba, the Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi and Maranoa local government areas. It's expected to remain in place until midnight on Wednesday.
Firefighters are concerned a forecast for light to moderate winds together with temperatures nudging 30 degrees in the region will provide ideal conditions for blazes.
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A total fire ban has been issued for South-West Queensland from today until midnight Wednesday. Nine
The Queensland Fire Department says all open fires are prohibited and all permits to light a fire which have been issued in the areas have been suspended.
Power tools may be used during a local fire ban, but people should use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start. This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.
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The ban was issued as firefighters battled vegetation burns across the state during the weekend.
They included fires at Lakeland in Far North Queensland; Mount Perry, north-west of Maryborough; Curra, near Gympie; and Wooderson, near Gladstone.
Communities in central and southeast Queensland are being warned morning smoke haze is possible this morning.
Impacted residents should stay inside and close windows and doors, keep respiratory medication close by, avoid driving through smoke, and watch out for firefighters working in the area.
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