26 Nov 2018 | 01:38 PM UTC
Australia: Ongoing bushfires in Queensland November 26
Several bushfires ongoing in Queensland state as of November 26; expected to remain a threat in coming days
Event
Some 70 bushfires are burning in the state of Queensland as of Monday, November 26. Evacuation orders are in effect in several localities, including Baffle Creek, Deepwater, Agnes Water, Round Hill, Miriam Vale, and Bororen. The state capital Brisbane remains unaffected. Some 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) have been burned, and several homes and properties damaged thus far. Hundreds of firefighters are currently working to contain the blazes, which are expected to remain a threat in the coming days; the fires are forecast to intensify on November 27, as high temperatures and low humidity persist.
Context
Bushfires are uncommon in Queensland at this time of year given it is the wet season. Experts say the fires have been provoked by the current state of drought caused by a very dry winter.
Advice
Individuals present in Queensland are advised to keep abreast of warnings and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities, notably evacuation orders.
