Australia: Emergency crews responding to multiple bushfires across Queensland as of Nov. 1 /update 1

Emergency crews are working to contain several bushfires burning across Queensland as of Nov. 1. Dozens of fires have broken out across the region amid hot and windy conditions. Authorities have reported 83 bushfires are burning across the state as of Nov. 1. Emergency warnings have been issued for a fire in Cherry Gully near Warwick in the South Downs Region. People in the emergency warning area have been advised to leave immediately if it is safe to do so. Watch and Act and Advice warnings have been issued for dozens of other fires, primarily in southeastern parts of the state. Authorities could issue new warnings or upgrade/rescind existing warnings as fires develop over the coming hours and days; the latest information regarding warnings and advice can be found here. Around 58 properties were damaged by a fire that has now been brought under control near Tara in the Western Downs Region. Power outages have also been reported due to fires near Wallangarra in the Southern Downs Region.

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).