Updated
Queensland emergency services have spent another night battling fires across the state and are bracing for a tough day ahead.
Key points:
- Fires at Stanthorpe and Binna Burra are at watch and act level, with windy conditions forecast
- 20 homes across the state have been destroyed by fire over three days
- Conditions are not expected to let up for a few more days, with the situation to worsen in the north of the state
Forty-eight fires are burning across Queensland and the towns of Applethorpe and Stanthorpe, as well as Binna Burra in the Gold Coast Hinterland, remain the main concern for authorities, with windy conditions forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
At Binna Burra, where 11 homes have already been lost, the fire was revised to a watch and act level early this morning.
QFES Superintendent Corey Bock said the area remains a concern, with access difficult.
"The Binna Burra area is very steep, it's very high country, it's very inaccessible for most of it.
"So it's making firefighting in that area very, very difficult."The is burning on both sides of Binna Burra Road, south of Summerville Road, travelling in an easterly direction towards Numinbah Valley and Springbrook.
Those who have left the area should not return as conditions are too dangerous. Anyone in the area should be ready to leave in case the situation gets worse quickly.
Binna Burra Road remains closed.
Authorities are also monitoring the fire in the nearby Numinbah Valley, where 101 prisoners and some staff at the women's correctional centre were evacuated.
"We've done a lot of doorknocking in the area," said Superintendent Bock.
"I think we're well prepared in that area now."
In Canungra, near the Sarabah and Beechmont fires, wind gusts of up to 75kph were recorded in the early hours of Saturday night.
Dangerous fire heading towards Applethorpe
The Stanthorpe fire was continuing to travel in a north-easterly direction towards Applethorpe.It is expected to affect properties on Ellwood Road, Kelly Road and Allen Lane and the latest warning from emergency services said it could have a significant impact on the community.
QFES said fire crews are working on containing the fire in that area, and with efforts also focused into the Broadwater State forest.
Residents leaving the area are urged to use the New England Highway and are free to do so in a northerly or southerly direction.
| Location | Warning |
|---|---|
| Applethorpe | Watch and act. Leave now, if it is clear to do so. Do not return to the area, as conditions are too dangerous. |
| Stanthorpe | Watch and act. Prepare to leave, because the situation could get worse quickly. |
| Binna Burra | Watch and act. Prepare to leave. Do not return to the area if you have left, as conditions are too dangerous. |
| Beechmont | Advice. Keep up to date and decide what actions you will take if the situation changes. |
Weather conditions unlikely to ease until Tuesday
Senior BoM forecaster Sam Campbell said conditions would start to ease from Tuesday but people should not be complacent with the cooler temperatures today."Very high fire dangers are expected through southern and south-eastern Queensland affecting the major fires of concern for today," he said.
"We'll just continue to see dry, westerly winds and temperatures getting up into the low 20s, but probably the main issue is going to be the wind combined with the relative humidity which will be dropping down to the low 20s again."
Speaking yesterday afternoon, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the bushfire currently threatening Applethorpe was the most concerning fire currently burning in the state.
Ms Palaszczuk said there were 17 homes across the state that had been destroyed by fire in the past 24 hours.
Over three days, 20 structures have been lost.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Craig Crawford, said residents in southern and south-east Queensland should remain vigilant with the dry and windy conditions expected until Tuesday.
"The next three to four days will certainly still be testing for us."We do know that conditions will not be as bad as yesterday and overnight but we still do have those significant fires," Mr Crawford said.
"We still have plenty of resources up our sleeves here in Queensland."
Wind gusts have also picked up dust which has travelled across the state, heavily reducing visibility.
"There's widespread dust that's been kicked up by this wind change as its traversed across the state and we've seen visibility reduced quiet substantially," BoM state manager Bruce Gunn said.
Queensland's Deputy Police Commissioner warned the fires would likely travel to the north of the state.
"The conditions will not abate for a few more days. Not only will it be in the south-east but it's actually going towards the northern part of the state as well," she said.
Yesterday Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the nation was standing alongside those affected by "what is still a tense situation".
"And to all those that are out there volunteering today and supporting those in desperate need and fighting those fires, as always we say thank you to you," he said.
Mr Morrison said people who had been impacted by the fires would get all the support they expect from the Commonwealth and state governments.
Fear firebugs behind FNQ blazes
In Far North Queensland, firefighters are urging residents to report suspicious behaviour to Crimestoppers, with fears some fires are being lit deliberately.The Atherton Tablelands have been hit hard by fires this week, with one blaze engulfing a home at Biboohra, north of Mareeba.
Area commander Inspector Shane Jarvis said crews were concerned about the way some fires were starting.
"We are asking the community to help us out, you are our eyes and ears and we need your help," Inspector Jarvis said.
"If you notice or see anyone that is acting suspiciously or could be lighting fires in your area you are to report them to Crimestoppers immediately."
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