Residents of a small community in southern Queensland are being asked to “leave immediately” as a dangerous bushfire creeps through the area.
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service released an emergency broadcast on Sunday morning for The Pines area near Millmerran in the Southern Downs region.
“Leave immediately,” QFES states bluntly.
“Your life could be at risk. It will soon be too dangerous to drive.”
“If you do not have a safe place to go to, there is a place of refuge at Wylahra Grove Progress Recreation Hall at 72 Primrose Drive Millmerran Downs.”
“Avoid driving on Pine Ridge Road.”
The bushfire currently threatens properties between Flamingo Road, Rosella Avenue, Scrubby Creek Boondanilla Rd to the Gore Highway.
Firefighters are battling the blaze west of Toowoomba with the help of firefighting aircraft.
The warning paints a bleak picture of the threat to residents from the fire.
“Firefighters may not be able to stop the fire from getting closer,” the warning states.
“Do not expect a firefighter at your door.
“Power, water, and mobile phone services may stop working soon.
“Smoke will make it hard to see and breathe. The smoke will sting your eyes.
“It will be hot and loud. You may hear explosions nearby.
“The sky will be dark. You could be isolated.”
An avoid smoke warning is also in place for Tuchekoi, Kandanga, Imbil, Carters Ridge, Federal and surrounding areas from a fire burning in Mount Tuchekoi.
No properties are currently at risk, but QFES advises affected residents to “stay inside and close windows and doors”.
“Keep respiratory medication close by. Follow your bushfire survival plan now. If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, make one on the QFES website.
“Avoid driving through smoke if you can. Watch out for firefighters working in the area.”
Multiple fires are now burning across the Southern Downs region as the country braces for a potentially dire fire season.
Widely-respected NSW firefighter Captain Leonardus Fransen tragically died on Thursday while battling a blaze in the state’s north, close to the Queensland border.
Captain Fransen was struck by a falling tree while he was fighting the Hudson bushfire.
Originally published as Stark bushfire warning issued for Queensland residents
