Residents invited to October 18 Cooyar Hall community fire update at 5pm
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC), in conjunction with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES), is inviting residents to a community meeting at Cooyar tomorrow (Wednesday, October 18, 2023) to hear the latest update on the downgraded Wutul and East Cooyar fire, as well as preparations leading into summer.
Toowoomba Region Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chair Cr Geoff McDonald said residents would hear from QFES representatives from 5pm at the Cooyar and District Memorial Hall, New England Highway.
Mayor McDonald said residents would hear how they could safeguard their families and property in the coming months, given weather forecasts for continuing hot and dry conditions.
“It is important for residents to be fully informed about the best fire precautions they can take and how they will respond in an emergency situation,” Mayor McDonald said.
He said authorities were urging residents and travellers to take extreme care around the Wutul and East Cooyar fire area, particularly on the roads, even with the warning level downgraded to the lowest status, Advice – stay informed, earlier today (Tuesday, October 17).
Mayor McDonald said while the QFES had advised that the fire near Dukes Road was burning in containment lines, the situation was a reminder for residents to stay informed about changeable conditions.
“While conditions eased over Monday night, Council is maintaining a presence in the area with water tankers and other equipment to help fire authorities,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Fire authorities have advised residents it is safe to return to their homes with caution, but there is a considerable smoke hazard on roads in the affected area (for properties between the New England Highway and East Cooyar Road, including Fitzgerald Road, Dukes Road, Saads Road and Garskes Road).
“The speed limit has been reduced on the New England Highway given the smoke is affecting visibility.
“No properties are presently in danger, but it is imperative that residents stay informed about the latest conditions. While some farm structures have been lost; thankfully there have been no injuries reported.
“Council’s Local Disaster Management Group is monitoring the situation and liaising with emergency services and will advise of any changes in conditions.”
There is a local fire ban in place for the Toowoomba Region as well as Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa and Balonne local government areas.
Residents should monitor the Toowoomba Region Disaster Dashboard at http://disaster.tr.qld.gov.au/
For current bushfires and warnings, visit https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents