ID :
210865
Mon, 10/03/2011 - 12:55
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/210865
The shortlink copeid
Weather brings relief for Qld firefighters
SYDNEY (AAP) - Oct. 03 - A change in weather has helped firefighters control a blaze near a Fraser Island resort, after it was sparked from the remnants of a controlled burn-off.
Ground crews and water-bombing aircraft fought the fire that started on Sunday evening and came within 800 metres of Kingfisher Bay Resort, causing the resort to move about 50 staff and guests out of its 500 occupants.
It was one of 44 blazes battled by several hundred firefighters on Monday, who benefited from a drop in winds and rain that began to move northwards from the southeast.
The number of fires was a significant drop from the 424 burning from the Atherton Tablelands to southern parts of the state at the weekend.
Fire Commissioner Lee Johnson said the Fraser Island blaze had never actually threatened the resort and was expected to be fully extinguished by Monday night.
It was believed to have been ignited after embers from a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service control burn from last week sparked up again.
But that was a fact of life and several of the blazes this fire season had begun this way, the commissioner said.
"From time to time, hazard reduction burns do get out of control," he said.
"What happens is the wind changes.
"If there's burning embers or logs or whatever, it can then spark a reignition of that same fire."
However, firebugs could also be blamed for "a number" of the more minor fires authorities had been dealing with, Mr Johnson said.
Kingfisher Bay Resort Group general manager David Hay praised the firefighters, especially those who maintained a vigil at the resort on Sunday night.
"The rural fire brigade as well as the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service were here all night ... and they have done a great job," he told AAP.
Meanwhile, fire permits for central Queensland have been suspended until midnight on Tuesday because of the high fire danger.
"With the recent dry conditions and strong winds, a small spark has the potential to start a large fire," Queensland Fire and Rescue Service central region assistant commissioner Neil Gallant said in a statement.
"Such conditions mean that even permitted fires would be difficult to control and pose a danger to communities."
All Queenslanders have been warned to prepare their properties for the fire season if they have not already done so.
Ground crews and water-bombing aircraft fought the fire that started on Sunday evening and came within 800 metres of Kingfisher Bay Resort, causing the resort to move about 50 staff and guests out of its 500 occupants.
It was one of 44 blazes battled by several hundred firefighters on Monday, who benefited from a drop in winds and rain that began to move northwards from the southeast.
The number of fires was a significant drop from the 424 burning from the Atherton Tablelands to southern parts of the state at the weekend.
Fire Commissioner Lee Johnson said the Fraser Island blaze had never actually threatened the resort and was expected to be fully extinguished by Monday night.
It was believed to have been ignited after embers from a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service control burn from last week sparked up again.
But that was a fact of life and several of the blazes this fire season had begun this way, the commissioner said.
"From time to time, hazard reduction burns do get out of control," he said.
"What happens is the wind changes.
"If there's burning embers or logs or whatever, it can then spark a reignition of that same fire."
However, firebugs could also be blamed for "a number" of the more minor fires authorities had been dealing with, Mr Johnson said.
Kingfisher Bay Resort Group general manager David Hay praised the firefighters, especially those who maintained a vigil at the resort on Sunday night.
"The rural fire brigade as well as the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service were here all night ... and they have done a great job," he told AAP.
Meanwhile, fire permits for central Queensland have been suspended until midnight on Tuesday because of the high fire danger.
"With the recent dry conditions and strong winds, a small spark has the potential to start a large fire," Queensland Fire and Rescue Service central region assistant commissioner Neil Gallant said in a statement.
"Such conditions mean that even permitted fires would be difficult to control and pose a danger to communities."
All Queenslanders have been warned to prepare their properties for the fire season if they have not already done so.
