UPDATE: Please be advised the local fire ban currently declared in the Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa and Balonne Local Government Areas will be cancelled from 0945hrs Sunday 5 November.

All suspensions of Permits to Light Fire have been lifted.

Earlier...

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has extended a local fire ban for South Western Region residents. The local fire ban will be in place until 2359hrs Friday, 10 November 2023. 

Earlier…

Monday, 23 October 2023

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

The local fire ban will be in place from 0001hrs on Tuesday 24 October for residents in the Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa and Balonne 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 suspended for the duration of the ban.

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 Friday 27 October.

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