Australian fire linked to permitted burn — ABC News Australia

A bushfire is continuing in the Southern Downs area of Queensland, Australia, prompting residents of six rural properties to leave their homes as a precaution overnight. They are now returning home, while emergency services are monitoring the fire near Murphy Crossing Road in Nundubbermere, southwest of Stanthorpe.

As ABC News Australia reports, the fire is burning about 230 kilometres southwest of Brisbane. Firefighters worked to contain it overnight, while the evacuation of residents from six properties was a precautionary measure.

Fire broke through containment lines

Queensland Rural Fire Service Chief Superintendent Sean Toohy said the fire was likely caused by a permitted burn that breached containment lines several weeks ago. According to him, the property owner had been assisting firefighters in battling the blaze for the past two weeks.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Toohy described the incident as accidental. He also noted that, due to conditions in the region, the fire may need about another two weeks to burn out.

Drought increases risks

Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Melissa Hamilton said there were no reports of property damage. At the same time, she warned that the drought-stricken region was preparing for a difficult fire season, while the window for conducting permitted burns was rapidly closing.

Nundubbermere resident Senedra Rogers said the fire came within about three kilometres of her home. She decided to stay at home, monitored the situation and sprayed water on the house and surrounding land because of the extremely dry conditions. At about 3 a.m., the wind changed direction and pushed the fire away from her home. According to the Bureau of Meteorology forecast, Stanthorpe was expected to see a maximum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius after several days of heat above 30 degrees.