Act now, fireys warn

DRY conditions and a largerthan-average fuel load have fire fighters warning Gold Coasters to be prepared for an early bushfire season.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said unfavourable weather conditions could bring on an early and more volatile season.

“Some of these areas are rapidly drying out due to a lack of rain increasing the risk of fires well ahead of bushfire season, which traditionally begins in August,” he said.

“It is essential the community works with The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service and other agencies to identify areas of concern and remove potential threats.”

QFES South Coast Inspector Kaye Healing said now was the time to act to prevent potential property damage.

“There is certainly some fuel around the place. The community need to take responsibility in terms of doing the right thing … by getting rid of all the leaves that have fallen and the grass that has grown,” he said.

“With the amount of fuel load we’ve had since 2011, it just keeps building and building. There has been a lot of mitigation burning around the place … and we will continue to do those burns.