Bushfire smoke to linger

SMOKE continues to linger in the air around Cairns as Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews monitor a fire burning in bushland in the Little Mulgrave area.

Winds forecast for today could result in the CBD being further enveloped in smoke.

On Monday, a fire burning near the Mulligan Highway and Quaids Rd, Southedge, was contained, but a QFES spokeswoman said the fire was still producing smoke.

She said crews were “moving back and forward” to prevent reignition.

Smoke in the air around Cairns City had not been felt on the ground at Cairns Hospital and staff had not been overrun by respiratory-related admissions.

However, clinical director of medicine at Cairns Hospital, Dr James Brown, urged those with lung problems to stay inside.

“For those with chronic respiratory illness, such as asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease (it is recommended) to stay indoors and close windows and doors while the smoke is around,” Dr Brown said.

In Herberton yesterday, QFES was working to contain a blaze near Petford Rd

The fire was burning in the direction of the Watsonville and Walsh River townships.

Increasing temperatures, dry air and moderate to fresh south-westerly winds would deliver very high fire danger ratings across much of the state today, according to QFES.

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