Livingstone Shire Disaster Update #2

Livingstone Shire’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) met again this afternoon at 4.00pm at the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC).

Winds have decrease today compared to those on Wednesday, but with the continuing hot and dry conditions and elevated fire dangers across the state and are likely to continue into next week.

At Mount Etna National Park and The Caves conditions worsened during the middle of the day with increased winds making firefighting difficult however those adverse conditions have been progressively easing with winds now decreasing and temperatures dropping in the latter part of the afternoon.

LDMG Chairman Mayor Bill Ludwig said the Caves Rural Fire Brigade, supported by neighboring brigades, aerial assets, and local SES crews, have put in an absolutely outstanding effort in containing the fire to protect their community.

“The Caves fire is currently burning on three active fire fronts which has been very challenging.

“An expected change to more favorable conditions this evening and tomorrow should assist firefighters with back burning and reinforcement of established containment lines.

“Council will continue to monitor the situation with regular updates through Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and other emergency services on the ground.

“Residents of The Caves are currently at bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT and Council is urging the community to continue in heeding to State Warnings.

“There are currently 44 customers without power in the Livingstone Region, located at The Caves, Wattlebank, Glendale, Glenlee, Bungundarra and Woodbury. Emergency repairs are currently in progress.

“Spot fires in Zilzie are continuing to be closely monitored with vehicle patrols and police door knocks. This risk has not escalated at this time but will continue to be watched for any changes.

Council will continue to monitor the situation with regular updates through Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and other emergency services on the ground. Council is urging the community to continue in heeding to State Warnings.

Fire risk is continuing to be monitored by Council with all updates to the community being provided through the online Disaster Dashboard (http://disaster.livingstone.qld.gov.au/) or through Council’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/livingstoneshirecouncil/).

For enquiries please contact LDMG Chairman Mayor Bill Ludwig on 0428 791 792