Arabic version: سلطات الإطفاء في كوينزلاند تحذّر بعد حرائق عطلة نهاية الأسبوع

According to ABC News, the Queensland Fire Department responded to 180 fires across the state over the weekend, as multiple days of above-average temperatures contributed to challenging fire conditions. Authorities have warned residents to prepare for heightened fire risks in the coming weeks.

Homes were evacuated and the Warrego Highway was closed in both directions on Sunday after a fire broke out at Plainland in the Lockyer Valley. Fire authorities said flames came within a few metres of several properties, though no structural losses were recorded. Another blaze broke out south of Rockhampton, between the Bruce and Burnett Highways.

Queensland Rural Fire Service acting deputy chief officer Joel Gordon said dry conditions had led to drought declarations in Goondiwindi, the Balonne and the South Downs, with the dry conditions continuing to move east. Cooler weather gave crews an opportunity to strengthen containment lines, but some fires remained active and uncontained, with dry fuel loads and winds affecting fire behaviour.

Bureau of Meteorology community information officer Daniel Hayes said well-above-average temperatures across south-east Queensland on Sunday were the hottest September maximums recorded since 2019. While cooler weather is forecast this week, the longer-term outlook for the region still tends towards drier-than-average conditions. Queensland Fire Department Assistant Chief Officer Mark Doble said the state had entered its high-risk bushfire period and urged people to monitor current warnings, clear yards and gutters, keep a survival plan, and take care when slashing or mowing.