Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has imposed a local fire ban for Central Region residents.

The local fire ban will be in place from 0001hrs on Thursday 26 October for residents in the Rockhampton, Livingstone, Mackay, Whitsundays, Isaac, Central Highlands, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach, Barcoo, Winton, Gladstone and Banana Local Government Areas.

Current fire conditions are perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.

Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled.

Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start.

This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.

The ban is expected to remain in place until 2359hrs on Wednesday 1 November.

Information on fire bans and the exemptions that can apply can be found on the QFES website www.qfes.qld.gov.au.