Australia: Emergency crews responding to multiple bushfires across southeastern Queensland as of Oct. 29

Emergency crews are working to contain several bushfires burning across southeastern Queensland as of Oct. 29. Dozens of fires have broken out across the region amid hot and windy conditions. Authorities have issued Watch and Act warnings, advising people to prepare to leave, for Carnarvon Gorge, Buckland, Consuelo, and Rewan in Central Highlands Region; parts of Western Downs Region, including Condamine, Barramornie, Kogan, Montrose North, Tara, Wieambilla, and The Gums; Ban Ban Springs, near Biggenden, in North Burnett Region; and Colosseum and Mount Tom, near Miriam Vale, in Gladstone Region. Officials have also advised residents that it is still not safe to return to those areas, where the Emergency Warning has been downgraded to Watch and Act. At least 35 homes have been lost and 30,000 hectares (74, 132 acres) of land burnt in the fires.

Authorities have issued advice warnings for several other fires in the regions 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).