The hazard has decreased following an earlier watch-and-act warning issued by the Queensland Fire Service for a blaze near Cloncurry in the state’s north-west.
A big, fast-moving fire is blazing near Selwyn Range, approaching the settlement via Powerhouse Road, the Flinders Highway, and Round Oak Road.
Mayor Greg Campbell said residents should prepare to flee because severe winds might swiftly aggravate circumstances.
“I think it’s probably the worst threat we’ve had that you know could make it to town that I’ve seen in quite a while,” added the officer.
“Several fire departments and landowners are attempting to contain it. “A water-bombing helicopter will be ready this morning. “It is on its way from Mount Isa.
Authorities claimed the community was well prepared, and there was no immediate threat to property or lives. According to Queensland Fire and Rescue Inspector Jarrod Olivero, the fire was fuelled by the area’s hot weather and high fuel loads.
“This fire has spread rapidly overnight, and we’ve had property owners working on it with portable units, making for a busy night.
“It travelled a significant distance, it would have travelled potentially up to 20-kilometres,” according to his estimate.
Mr Olivero reported that the fire appeared to be at least ten kilometres from the town.
“There are threats on stations themselves; we are already undertaking mapping to get forecasts of what today will look like, but we are well aware that it will be an uncertain day.
“We’re working with Cloncurry Shire Council and the local disaster management group to strengthen containment lines around the township to ensure Cloncurry’s safety,” he said.
Thousands of acres burned. Grazier Wade McConachy, one of the local landowners helping to put out the fire, said it started two weeks ago due to a lightning strike.
“It’s steadily creeping into the hills and has finally come out into some open territory, where we can do something with it.
“It’s burnt about 200-thousand acres on Cowie Station,” he informed me.
Ten firefighters will be on scene today, with an additional four scheduled to arrive from Townsville.
According to Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Patch Clapp, southerly winds are having an influence.
“There’s winds across the north-west, they are being driven by a trough through the interior of the state,” he informed me.
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