While there are no immediate threats to townships, generators are being taken to North Stradbroke Island as a precaution.
Water bombing and backburning are also continuing ahead of anticipated increased temperature and winds across the weekend.
A community meeting is also planned for 3pm today at Dunwich community Hall, Ballow Street to provide the latest information to residents. Representatives from Redland City Council, QFES, Qld Police, Traditional Owners, Qld Health and Energex are attending.
A fire has been burning since Wednesday in the inaccessible 18 Mile Swamp, near Blue Lake on the eastern side of the island. This is the same location as the December 2013/January 2014 fire that resulted in camper and resident evacuations and went on to burn more than 70 per cent of the island.
Backburning was successful overnight and the fire remains within containment lines.
Backburning has included a focus on protection of power lines as these lines connect much of the island.
Energex is bringing two generators to the island today as a precaution. They will be placed at Dunwich and Point Lookout.
Keep safe in smoke:
- minimise your physical activity outdoors. People with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, in particular, should rest as much as possible and keep away from the smoke
- when indoors, keep the windows and doors closed. If you have an air conditioner, turn it on and switch it to ‘recycle or re-circulate’
- if your home gets too hot for comfort or is letting in a lot of smoky air, try to visit an air-conditioned community library or shopping centre (if it is safe to do so)
- when indoors, avoid other sources of air pollution including smoke from cigarettes and woodstoves
- if there is a break in smoky conditions, take the opportunity to ventilate your home to improve indoor air quality
- anyone with a lung or heart condition should keep at least seven days worth of medication on hand. Those with asthma should follow their personal asthma treatment plan
- anyone experiencing breathing problems or chest should seek medical advice immediately
- individuals who are particularly sensitive to smoky conditions should consider temporarily moving away from the smoke-affected area and staying with a friend or relative.
KEEP UP TO DATE BY:
- Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandRescueService) and Twitter (@QldFES)
- Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;
- Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
STAY UP-TO-DATE ON REDLANDS COAST:
- The new Redlands Coast emergency website: redland.qld.gov.au (also accessible via Council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au)
- Council’s social media and website
- Local radio 612ABC and Bay FM 100.3
