Qld: Fire threat to increase today, firies warn

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2006
Qld: Fire threat to increase today, firies warn

BRISBANE, Aug 24 AAP - Extreme dry conditions coupled with strong winds are set to
increase the fire threat across south-east and southern Queensland today, firefighters
warn.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) spokesman Andrew Berkham today said six fires
- all but one of which flared in the state's south-east - continued to burn overnight.

Brisbane's Gateway Motorway, which feeds into the Bruce Highway, was closed at the
Wyampa Road overpass at Bald Hills and at the Deagon Deviation, after a blaze was reported
around 12.40pm (AEST) yesterday.

Thousands of cars were being diverted around the area as firefighters battled to contain
the blaze before it reached homes on the other side of the motorway.

Surveillance aircraft were brought in and waterbombing helicopters used at the fire,
which is still burning.

Meanwhile two fires near Gympie and Warwick, as well as one at Rockhampton in central
Queensland also kept firefighters busy, Mr Berkham said.

"The fire at Frenchville in Rockhampton started burning mid-afternoon yesterday and
is headed towards Mount Archer National Park where we are getting towards some very rugged
country," Mr Berkham said.

"One near Kadanga, south-west of Gympie, is fairly close to the Gympie Music Muster
(country music festival) but we think winds will blow it the other way."

Mr Berkham said the fire threat was likely to escalate today due to strong winds and
dry conditions.

He said the blazes, as well as dozens of spot fires emerging daily, marked a bad start
to the fire season.

"Rural crews have been preparing for this type of scenario for several months now -
we've had water bombers (helicopters) on standby," Mr Berkham said.

However, he said the situation was expected to worsen tomorrow before the weather brought
relief on Saturday.

"There is going to be a change on Saturday, so there is some sort of relief in sight
because the winds will ease. But we'll still have those really dry conditions," Mr Berkham
said.

AAP jvb/jmm/jlw/

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES QLD DAYLEAD

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