UPDATE: Please be advised the local fire ban currently declared in the Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Balonne, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Bulloo Local Government Areas has been cancelled as at 2359hrs on Wednesday 25 September 2024.

All suspensions of Permits to Light Fire have been lifted.

Earlier...

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) has imposed a local fire ban for south west Queensland residents. 

The local fire ban will be in place from 0001hrs on Monday 23 September 2024 for residents in the Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Balonne, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Bulloo 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 QFD 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 25 September 2024. 

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