Australia: Residents in Dirranbandi, Queensland, advised to return with caution following evacuation due to bushfire Nov. 6 /update 1

The Queensland Fire Department has advised residents in Dirranbandi in the Shire of Balonne, Queensland, to return with caution following a fast-spreading bushfire that has threatened the town since Nov. 5. An emergency warning was issued for a potentially deadly bushfire that was threatening the town Nov. 5, initially advising residents to shelter in place as it was too late to leave, before then officials then ordered residents of the town to evacuate. The warning was downgraded to Watch and Act late Nov. 5 and has been lowered to advice to Return With Caution late afternoon Nov. 6 as the fire is now burning in containment lines. An evacuation shelter established at Balonne Shire Council Multi-Cultural Centre in St, George will remain open overnight Nov. 6-7 for evacuated residents. The fire has caused power, water supply, and communication outages in the town; power restoration work is being completed Nov. 6 and telecommunications are expected to be back online Nov. 7. No damage to homes has been reported as of late Nov. 6.

Residual disruptions are likely in the area as restoration works are carried out. The fire broke out amid high temperatures in the region and further bushfire outbreaks are possible over the coming days.