Bushfire warning level: ADVICE
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises that a bushfire continues to burn on Moreton Island.
You need to keep up to date and decide what actions you will take if the situation changes.
Currently as at 4.20pm Tuesday 19 November, a bushfire that was previously burning near the townships of Bulwer and Cowan has now travelled in a northerly and easterly direction past the townships.
The fire is no longer posing a threat to the townships. There are separate bushfire warnings current for Tangalooma and campers on Moreton Island. People in those areas should follow instructions given in those warnings.
QFES and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service crews (QPWS) will continue to monitor the fire throughout the evening.
Residents who previously self-evacuated from the townships of Bulwer and Cowan may now return to their homes via the western beach.
Tangalooma Island Resort will remain open to residents as a place of refuge. Tangalooma Island Resort will be providing bedding in large shared rooms and shower facilities to those impacted.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality. A backburn is currently underway along Middle Road. This may increase the volume of smoke in the area, so residents with respiratory conditions should keep medications close by. Residents should drive with caution and to conditions.
Properties are not under direct threat at this time. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
• If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.
• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes.
• Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
• Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.
• Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.
• Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes.
KEEP UP TO DATE BY:
• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandRescueService) and Twitter (@QldFES)
• Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;
• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
FURTHER INFORMATION:
• For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety
• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
The next update will be provided when the situation changes.
