Residents warned not to be complacent, with hot, dry weather set to continue

Noosa residents need to be on high fire alert, with hot, dry conditions set to continue across the region for at least the next month.

Noosa Council’s Local Disaster Coordinator Carl Billingham said the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) was predicting prolonged hot and dry weather into next month.

“In the wake of the recent bushfire events we have had extensive discussions with BOM about the short-term forecast for the region and unfortunately it’s not good,” he said.

“Unprecedented hot and dry conditions are forecast for the next month with nil rainfall, making for extremely hazardous conditions.

“We’re asking residents not to be complacent as the risk of bushfire is very real. Take extra care over the coming weeks – uphold fire bans and never throw cigarette butts from car windows. Not only is this dangerous, it’s illegal, and carries fines in excess of $5,222.

“The likelihood of bushfires remains high so we all need be vigilant and make sure we are all bushfire-ready,” Mr Billingham said.

Developing a bushfire survival plan and organising go-bags with essential items such as identification documents, prescription medication and clothes is highly recommended.

Residents are advised to ensure gutters are cleaned and overgrown vegetation cleared and placed in green waste bins provided by Council. 

For information on how to be fire-ready, please visit the Rural Fire Service website.

During bushfire events, keep up to date by listening to your local ABC radio station, visiting the Noosa Council Disaster Dashboard, or following QLD Fire and Emergency on Twitter or Facebook.

16 September 2019