Livingstone Shire Fire Disaster Update #2

Fire crews are currently battling extremely hot and dry conditions with large wind gusts, which is creating challenging conditions on the ground.

An emergency alert remains in place for residents at Cobraball/Bungundarra, to leave now and a separate alert is current for residents in the Neils Road and Adelaide Park area as well as Inverness.

The northern fire front is currently heading in the direction of Maryvale.

Ten aircraft have been deployed to the region to assist with surveillance and water bombing efforts and police are doorknocking in affected areas asking people to evacuate.

LDMG Chairman Mayor Bill Ludwig said fire fighters, aerial assets, and local SES crews, have put in an outstanding effort to protect their community so far but the job is not over.

“The fire remains uncontained and we do not need sightseers filling the roads and making it difficult for crews to access the fire front,” Mayor Ludwig said.

“A predicted easterly wind change this afternoon could see conditions deteriorate further and the community is urged to listen to emergency services and keep up to date.

“Council will continue to monitor the situation with regular updates through Queensland Fire and

Emergency Services and other emergency services on the ground. “There are reports a number of structures have been damaged but it’s unclear at this stage how many homes have been impacted.

“Spot fires north of the main fire are continuing to be closely monitored with vehicle patrols. This risk has not escalated at this time but will be monitored for any changes.”

Mayor Ludwig said it was very fortunate there have been no fatalities and that residents are adhering to the emergency warnings.

Ergon Energy are aware and currently working on restoring power to the affected areas. Residents are being urged to reduce water consumption where possible to reduce the amount of stress on the water infrastructure so that it can be used primarily for firefighting purposes.

The fires are generating a large amount of smoke over the region so please close windows and doors, sealing the gaps under doors and screens with wet towels to keep smoke out of the house if you are impacted.

With fires continuing to burn around the region, it is important that suspicious fire activity is reported through the Policelink website https://www.police.qld.gov.au/units/policelink-131-444 or by calling 13 14 44.

A community meeting will be held this afternoon for people who have been evacuated or self-evacuated as well as interested members of the public, at 5.30pm at the Evacuation Centre at 37 Cordingley Street, Yeppoon for an update on affected areas.

A general community briefing will be held on Monday (Nov 11) once there is a clearer picture of how this emergency has unfolded and a time and location will be advised.

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 provided through the online Disaster Dashboard (http://disaster.livingstone.qld.gov.au/) or through Council’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/livingstoneshirecouncil/).