23 Oct 2023 | 07:57 AM UTC
Australia: Emergency crews responding to multiple bushfires across southeastern Queensland as of Oct. 23
Emergency crews responding to multiple bushfires across southeastern Queensland, Australia, as of Oct. 23. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain several bushfires burning across southeastern Queensland as of Oct. 23. Dozens of fires have broken out across the region amid hot and windy conditions. Authorities have issued emergency warnings advising residents to evacuate for two fires in the Darling Downs Region. Residents of properties between Kakadu Avenue, Gore Highway, Violet Road, and Wombinebong Drive in the Cypress Gardens and Millerman Downs area have been advised to leave immediately due to a fast-moving fire in the region. More than 100 firefighters are onsite battling the blaze and there have been reports of several structures damaged by the bushfire. Authorities have issued Watch and Act warnings, advising people to prepare to leave, for the surrounding areas of Millerman Woods and Captains Mountain. An evacuation shelter for displaced residents has been established at the Millmerran Showgrounds.
A second emergency warning is in place for a fire near Tara and Kogan. Officials have advised residents of properties between Chinchilla Tara Road, Timothy Road, Weranga North Road, Tara Kogan Road, and Spinifex Road to leave immediately. An evacuation shelter has been established in Tara at the Western Downs Regional Council Centre. Advice warnings have been issued for several other fires in the region and authorities could issue new warnings as fires develop over the coming hours and days; the latest information regarding warnings and advice can be found here.
The bushfires continue to cause some road closures and localized transport disruptions in the affected areas. Depending on the progression of the bushfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the bushfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Power outages are possible if fires damage power infrastructure. Authorities may cut off power to parts of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.
Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
