Bushfire danger worst in decades

FIREFIGHTERS have told Hinterland families to come up with evacuation plans fast as authorities brace for the worst bushfire season in more than 20 years.

A dangerous cocktail of dry conditions, wind and humidity forecast through to Monday – coupled with families on breaks with the start of the spring school holidays – has emergency workers on edge.

A total fire ban was announced for the city late on Wednesday night and, despite a few showers early yesterday, conditions will get worse.

“The Gold Coast Hinterland is quite dry and we have no appreciable rain coming in the future so this outlook has us looking at a protracted and potentially severe fire danger,” Rural Fire Service South Eastern Regional Manager Alan Gillespie said.

“Monday could be a bit of a challenge.

“The conditions now are as dry as they were back in 1994.

“Many families who live in rural areas such as the Hinterland do not have survival plans ready and this is something they should have.

“People need to be absolutely careful in conditions like this and should start looking at having a bushfire survival plan,

especially if they are in a regional area.

“Come up with a plan just in case and if you feel there is any danger at all you should call triple 0 immediately.”

The ban, which includes South Stradbroke Island, prohibits open fires and permits to light fires are cancelled.

The extreme conditions brought bushfires to the Sunshine Coast, forcing train delays.

The Gold Coast City Council confirmed its tourist parks, including several in the Hinterland, had received heavy bookings for the school holidays but were not yet completely full.