Warning on abundance of fuel for fires
AS two large infernos raged beneath, fire behaviour analyst Stephen Lewin calmly made predictions, calculating the blazes’ potential impact on the communities of the Atherton Tableland.
Along with the air observer and the public information officer, Mr Lewin spent about two hours in a helicopter on Sunday flying over the worstaffected areas, near Tolga and Millstream.
Based on his observations, he has a dire warning for residents throughout the district as dry conditions continue to fuel the potential for larger, more intense bushfires.
“The fuel situation is reasonably dry and we’re starting to see the effects of rainfall deficit,” Mr Lewin said.
“Our fuels are a little dryer than perhaps they would normally be.
“The broader picture would be a potential for increased fire behaviour and perhaps a bit less predictability.”
The two Tableland fires began on Thursday afternoon and collectively burnt about 1500ha of land.
In some places, towering flames came within metres of homes.
A former auxiliary firefighter based in Port Douglas and Kuranda, Mr Lewin said the risk of bushfire wasn’t limited to residents living west of the range.
“In terms of the rainfall deficit ... (we) will potentially see increased bushfire intensity as the fuels dry out,” Mr Lewin said.
“This is a broad spectrum, we’re talking about the whole northern region, the coastal areas as well.”
Mr Lewin urged residents to have bushfire plans in place in case of an emergency.
“Don’t leave it until the last minute and wonder what to do,” he said.
“Understand what warning messages mean when they’re issued.
“Seek advice from the local firefighters.”
The Bureau of Meteorology daily fire danger rating for the North Tropical Coast and Tableland is expected to worsen from high to very high tomorrow, before returning to high on Thursday.