Fire danger near ‘severe’

GET ready for a scorcher today as temperatures are set to hit 34 degrees by at least 3pm this afternoon.
In response to the hot temperatures, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) have imposed a local fire ban for residents in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa areas.
The local fire restrictions started at midnight Wednesday 9 November and will initially be in place until midnight Friday 11 November for the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Shire council areas.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) regional manager Peter Hollier said near severe fire conditions meant the weather was perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.
“Under the local fire ban, all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled,” Mr Hollier said.
Mr Hollier said the following types of fires were permitted during a local fire ban, providing conditions were followed:
* Fires within a properly constructed barbecue (gas or electric) if not left unattended.
* Fires for the purpose of disposing of animal carcasses subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by your local fire warden.
* Fires of commercial necessity subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by your local Area Director of Rural Operations.
* Fires lit for the purpose of burning standing sugar cane for harvest in accordance with the established practice of the industry between the hours of 6pm and 6am; and
* Fires lit for the purpose of burning sugar cane tops and trash between the hours of 6pm and 9am once a permit has been obtained from the local fire warden.
“Power tools may be used during the local fire ban however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start,” he said.
“This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.”
For more information contact your local fire warden or call 1300 369 003. To locate your local fire warden visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
Pet owners are being reminded to make sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade available for their furry friends, while those with elderly neighbours or family members are asked to keep an eye on their well-being while the weather is extreme.
Temperatures are expected to cool down tomorrow (Friday) with a top of 28 predicted, followed by the chance of storms and a top of 28 on Saturday.