Bushfire treated as suspicious

A VEGETATION fire near Crows Nest is being treated as suspicious as firefighters work around the clock to contain it.

Darling Downs Rural Fire Service acting area director John Welke said the fire, which has burned through more than 40 hectares since Saturday, was under investigation.

Its ignition is not believed to be by natural causes, he said.

“The fire is roughly 3km in length along the escarpment between Dahl Rd and Sebastapool Rd and Back Creek Rd to the north-east of Crows Nest,” Mr Welke said.

“It’s only roughly 1km wide but due to the nature of the terrain, crews are unable to access the fire ground itself to extinguish it.

“(Crews) are working on the escarpment fringe to contain the fire.”

Multiple RFS crews did back-burning operations yesterday near properties on Dahl Rd to secure the western flank as Toowoomba Regional Council workers cut a fire break on the eastern side.

Mr Welke said while flames were visible from properties in the area, crews had worked with property owners on an individual basis to protect homes.

“The fire has been burning since early in the week,” Mr Welke said.

“The fire is considered to be of a suspicious nature.

“We’re pursuing investigation with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ fire investigation and (police) who have been briefed on the situation.”

He reminded all residents they must have a valid permit before lighting a fire larger than 2m in any direction.