Queensland's fire crews prepare for another difficult weekend of scorching conditions

Firefighters across Queensland are exhausted but will need to push through sweltering temperatures over the weekend.

The hot and dry weather that has been sparking and encouraging fires is unrelenting.

The hot and dry weather that has been sparking and encouraging fires is unrelenting. Source: Libbie Brixie/@QldFES

Fire crews have been battling blazes across Queensland for months on end and there is no real relief in sight, with heatwave conditions forecast for the weekend.

Temperatures in Brisbane will reach 39C on Saturday, while areas further inland of the southeast, like Gatton and Ipswich, will hit well over 40C.

Officials and authorities will have their eyes trained on the Darling Downs, Maranoa and Warrego regions, which are expected to be the hottest.
A blaze at Cypress Gardens left little in its wake.
A blaze at Cypress Gardens left little in its wake. Source: Cypress Gardens/@QldFES
Towns in those areas are expected to see temperatures eight to 12 degrees above the December average.

Those on the ground, in the air and coordinating a mammoth effort are exhausted, but officials say morale is helping them to get through it.

The hot and dry weather that has been sparking and encouraging fires is unrelenting.

"We're getting pockets of extreme weather ... days following after days, week after week," QFES acting assistant commissioner Darryl King said on Friday.
Late on Friday, residents were being told to prepare to flee from a grassfire at Cornubia, in Brisbane's southern suburbs, along with Cypress Gardens and Forest Ridge as the Milmerran blaze continued to rage.

A fire was also burning along Esk Hampton Road, close to the township of Esk, as well as at Patrick Estate and Wivenhoe Pocket, on the edge of Lake Wivenhoe.

People were being told to get ready to evacuate from both of those areas.


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Published 7 December 2019 6:44am
Updated 7 December 2019 7:28am


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