Residents invited to 26 October Millmerran Downs community fire update at 5pm

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC), in conjunction with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES), is inviting residents to a community meeting at The Pines this afternoon (Thursday, 26 October, 2023) to hear the latest update on the downgraded Cypress Gardens, Millmerran Downs, Millmerran Woods and Captains Mountain 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 Forest Pines Rural Fire Brigade, Rosella Avenue, The Pines.

Mayor McDonald said residents could attend the meeting to learn about safeguarding 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 Millmerran Downs and Cypress Gardens fire area, particularly on the Gore Highway and surrounding roads, even with the warning level downgraded to the lowest status, Advice, yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, 25 October).

Mayor McDonald said while the QFES had advised that the fires near Millmerran Downs were burning in containment lines, the situation was a reminder for residents to stay informed about changeable conditions.

“While conditions eased over Wednesday night, Council is maintaining a presence in the area with the evacuation centre at the Millmerran Showgrounds, 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.

“No properties are presently in danger, but it is imperative that residents stay informed about the latest conditions. While a caravan and some shed 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.”

Members of the public can make donations through the GIVIT’s Queensland Bushfire Appeal at https://givit.org.au/qld-bushfires-2023. Funds and items will be distributed to community members who have been impacted by these bushfires.

Residents whose homes have been impacted can now access assistance through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to help them recover at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp

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