BATTLE: Firefighters back burn yesterday to stop the fire at Black Snake jumping into properties on Jackson, Webb and Mariner Rds on top of the range.
UPDATE: Warning for Widgee residents downgraded
15th Nov 2019 10:24 AM | Updated: 10:24 AM
UPDATE Friday 10am:
RESIDENTS who evacuated properties on Upper Thornside and Thornside Rds can now return to their properties, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
QFES issued the following alert at 9.50am, Friday November 15.
PREPARE TO LEAVE: Thornside (part of the Black Snake fire) bushfire
Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises there is a bushfire in Thornside.
You need to be ready to follow your bushfire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly.
Currently as at 9.50am, Friday 15 November, a large, slow-moving fire is continuing to travel in a north, north-westerly direction, to the north of Upper Thornside Road, and to the west of Thornside Road. This fire is burning within containment lines.
Fire crews have completed backburning operations on the south-eastern edge. Fire crews will continue to patrol the fire throughout the day. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.
Residents who have evacuated are advised it is safe to return to the area.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Residents are asked to be aware of emergency services vehicles in the area.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe your property is under threat.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
• If you have a bushfire survival plan, finalise it now so you are ready to follow it.
• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if you leave the area.
• Advise family and friends of your plan.
• Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
• Contact your neighbours to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.
• Pack important documents and essential items (e.g., passports, birth certificates, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing) in case you need to leave the area.
• Put on protective clothing (e.g., a long-sleeved cotton shirt, boots with thick soles).
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Bring pets inside; restrain them with a leash, a cage, or inside a secure room; and provide them with plenty of water.
• Take action to protect your livestock.
• Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins, and outdoor furniture away from your house.
• Fill containers such as your bath, sinks, and buckets with water so you have access to drinking water and firefighting water.
• Close windows and doors, sealing the gaps under doors and screens with wet towels to keep smoke out of the house.
KEEP UP TO DATE BY:
• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandEmergencyServices) and Twitter (@QldFES)
• Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;
• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
• For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety
• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
The next update will be provided by 11.50am or if the situation changes.
UPDATE Friday 6am:
QUEENSLAND Fire and Emergency Services advises there is a bushfire in Black Snake and conditions are getting worse.
This update is current from 5.30am Friday, November 15, 2019:
Thornside: LEAVE NOW
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises there is a bushfire in Thornside and conditions are getting worse.
Follow your bushfire survival plan now. If you do not have a plan, your safest option is to leave now if it is clear to do so. If you are not in the area, do not return, as conditions are too dangerous.
Currently as at 5.30am Friday 15 November, a large slow-moving fire is continuing to travel in an easterly direction in the vicinity of the Des Simpson Memorial. Crews will be backburning along the south-eastern edge of the blaze, in the vicinity of Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road, throughout the night. The fire could have a significant impact on the community.
Ground crews are working to contain the fire however firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.
Those residents looking to self-evacuate should travel along Thornside Road onto Upper Widgee Road heading towards Gympie.
Black Snake: PREPARE TO LEAVE
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises there is a bushfire in Black Snake and conditions could get worse.
There is a separate bushfire warning in place for the Thornside locality. People in the Thornside locality should refer to that warning.
Currently as at 5.40am, Friday 15 November, there is a large slow-moving fire burning in Thornside. Properties in the Black Snake area are not under direct threat, however this could change and people need to be prepared to leave the area.
Thornside and Black Snake:
Residents seeking emergency accommodation can contact Gympie Regional Council on 1300 307 800.
People evacuating with large animals can head to Woolooga Saleyards and contact Dan Sullivan on 0408 883 921. Animal owners will need to attend to and feed their animals while at the Saleyards.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.
If you are leaving:
• Secure your pets for safe transport.
• Check for road closures and then advise family and friends of your intended travel route.
• Take your important documents and essential items (e.g., passports, birth certificates, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing) when you leave.
If you are unable to leave:
The next update will be provided by 7.30am or if the situation changes.
Earlier...
UPDATE Thursday 1pm:
There is a separate bushfire warning in place for Black Snake. Residents in Black Snake should refer to that warning.
MORE: Huge night for firies who carved out 6km break against Widgee fire
COURAGEOUS EFFORT: Fireys worked all night backburning at Upper Thorneside Rd near Widgee.
Currently as at 12.35pm Thursday 14 November, a large slow-moving fire is burning in the vicinity of the Des Simpson Memorial. Due to a change in wind the blaze is now travelling in a north-westerly direction.
Crews will be backburning along the south-eastern edge of the blaze, in the vicinity of Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road, throughout the afternoon. The fire could have a significant impact on the community.
Firefighters and waterbombing aircraft are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.
A TEAM: Rural firefighters who successfully worked on containment lines to control the bushfire at Black Snake on Wednesday night.
Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.
The next update will be provided by 2.35pm or if the situation changes.
UPDATE 10am: Black Snake fire update - PREPARE TO LEAVE: Watch and Act
THE QFES have just confirmed a PREPARE TO LEAVE: Watch and Act for Black Snake residents as of 9.40am.
Currently as at 9.40am Thursday 14 November, a large slow-moving fire is burning in the vicinity of the Des Simpson Memorial, heading in a south-easterly direction towards Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road. The fire is currently impacting parts of Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road. The fire could have a significant impact on the community.
Crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Fire crews will work to strengthen containment lines and conduct backburning operations in the area throughout the day. Firefighting aircraft will also be operating in the area.
Properties in this area are not under direct threat, however this could change and people need to be prepared to leave the area. Residents who have evacuated are advised it is safe to return to the area. Those residents who are still choosing to self-evacuate should travel along Thornside Road onto Upper Widgee Road heading towards Gympie.
Residents choosing to self-evacuate can seek emergency accommodation by calling the Gympie Regional Council on 1300 307 800.
Residents self-evacuating with large animals can head to Woolooga Saleyards and contact Dan Sullivan on 0408 883 921. Animal owners will need to attend to and feed their animals while at the Saleyards.
UPDATE 9.30am:
THE QFES have just confirmed a LEAVE NOW: Watch and Act for Thorneside (part of the Black Snake Fire) as of 9.30am.
Firefighters and waterbombing operations are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Fire crews will work to strengthen containment lines and conduct backburning operations in the area throughout the day.
UPDATE 7.30am Thursday
THE QFES have just confirmed there is no change in the warnings since yesterday maintaining LEAVE NOW: Watch and Act, as the fire is still active near Black Snake Range as of 5.30am.
A large slow-moving fire is burning in the vicinity of the Des Simpson Memorial, heading in a south-easterly direction towards Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road. The fire may impact Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road. The fire could have a significant impact on the community.
QFES crews worked overnight to strengthen containment lines and have been undertaking backburning operations to protect properties in the area.
People evacuating with large animals can head to Woolooga Saleyards. Owners are responsible for the welfare of their own animals at the Saleyards.
Residents seeking accommodation can contact Gympie Regional Council on 1300 307 800.
Fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.
UPDATE Wednesday 11.40am
THE QFES has just issued an alert for residents near the Black Snake Range bushfire to LEAVE NOW as conditions are getting worse.
Beware of heavy traffic from fire vehicles.
Follow your bushfire survival plan now. If you do not have a plan, your safest option is to leave now if it is clear to do so.
If you are not in the area, do not return, as conditions are too dangerous.
Currently as at 11.30am Wednesday, 13 November a large fire is burning in the vicinity of the Des Simpson Memorial, heading in a south-westerly direction towards Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road.
The fire is likely to impact Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road within 30 minutes.
The fire could have a significant impact on the community. Those residents looking to self-evacuate should travel along Thornside Road onto Upper Widgee Road heading towards Gympie. Fire crews and waterbombing aircraft are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost. People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.
EARLIER Wednesday 10am:
RESIDENTS of Black Snake and Kilkivan should remain on watch as a bushfire burning in the vicinity could escalate.
The latest alert was issued by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services at 9.10am states:
Black Snake:
QFES advises there is a bushfire in Black Snake and conditions could get worse.
Currently as at 9.10am, Wednesday 13 November a large fire is burning in a south-westerly direction towards Richardson Road, Mengle Road and Mariner Road, Black Snake. The fire is likely to impact Richardson Road, Mengle Road and Mariner Road, Black Snake.
Those residents looking to self-evacuate should travel in a south-westerly direction towards Blacksnake Road.
Fire crews and waterbombing aircraft are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.
Kilkivan:
There is a bushfire in Kilkivan and conditions could get worse.
Currently as at 9.05, Wednesday 13 November a large fire is burning in the vicinity of the Des Simpson Memorial, heading in a south-westerly direction towards Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road. The fire is likely to impact Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road.
• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if you leave the area. • Advise family and friends of your plan.
UPDATE Wednesday 6.30am:
RESIDENTS in Black Snake and Kilkivan should "prepare to leave" as conditions surrounding a bushfire could get worse.
READ HERE: Two warnings issued for Gympie region as scale of fire grows
The latest update, issued by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services last night at 8pm is current.
MORE: Family flees as firefighters battle Black Snake bushfire
Currently as at 8pm, Tuesday 12 November a large fire is burning in a south-westerly direction towards Richardson Road, Mengle Road and Mariner Road, Black Snake.
The fire is likely to impact Richardson Road, Mengle Road and Mariner Road, Black Snake.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises there is a bushfire in Kilkivan and conditions could get worse.
Currently as at 8pm, Tuesday 12 November a large fire is burning in the vicinity of the Des Simpson Memorial, heading in a south-westerly direction towards Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road.
The fire is likely to impact Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road.
Firefighters fight in tough conditions at Black Snake on Sunday as bushfire burns in rugged country.
UPDATE Tuesday 3.40pm:
THE bushfire emergency at Black Snake, about 18km west of Gympie, has taken a turn for the worse this afternoon with Fire Services issuing a warning for the 20-odd homes in the path of the fire on the Black Snake Range to prepare to leave.
"Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises there is a bushfire in Black Snake and conditions could get worse.
"You need to be ready to follow your bushfire survival plan.
"If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly.
"Currently as at 3.35pm, Tuesday 12 November a large fire is burning in a south-westerly direction towards Richardson Road, Mengle Road and Mariner Road, Black Snake.
"The fire is likely to impact Richardson Road, Mengle Road and Mariner Road, Black Snake.
"Those residents looking to self-evacuate should travel in a south-westerly direction towards Blacksnake Road.
The QFES also advised Kilkivan residents that
"Currently as at 3.35pm, Tuesday 12 November a large fire is burning in the vicinity of the Des Simpson Memorial, heading in a south-westerly direction towards Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road.
"The fire is likely to impact Thornside Road and Upper Thornside Road.
"Those residents looking to self-evacuate should travel along Thornside Road onto Upper Widgee Road heading towards Gympie.
"Fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property.
"You should not expect a firefighter at your door. People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
" Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe your property is under threat. "
EARLIER Tuesday 12.30pm:
A BUSHFIRE burning at Black Snake, between Widgee and Kilkivan, is currently burning near Upper Thornside Rd and Threlkeld Rd.
Seventeen crews are battling the blaze, while water bombers attack from the air.
**READ HERE: WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE AGAINST AT GYMPIE REGION BUSHFIRE**
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have advised, at 11.25am today, that residents need to keep up to date and decide what actions need to be taken if the situation changes.
QFES and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service crews are working to establish containment lines and will continue to monitor the area throughout the day.
Properties are not under direct threat at this time. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you or your property is under threat.
• If you have a bushfire survival plan, refer to it now and be ready to follow it.
• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes.
• Consider finding your essential items (e.g., identification documents, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt and trousers, and boots) in case you need to leave.
• Consider what you will do to protect your pets and livestock.
• Advise family and friends of your intended actions if the situation changes.
• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au The next update will be provided when the situation changes.
UPDATE Tuesday 7am:
A BUSHFIRE burning at Black Snake, west of Gympie near Kilkivan, has been downgraded from "prepare to leave" to "stay informed".
Yesterday at 4.45pm the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advised residents to keep up to date and decide what actions to take if the situation changes. No properties are currently under threat.
**READ MORE ON THIS STORY FROM RESIDENTS HERE**
The warning is still current, a QFES spokeswoman said this morning.
Three fire crews are currently on the scene, with nine more enroute.
Warnings will be updated when necessary, with the help of aerial footage, but the situation is not expected to change in the next couple of hours, the spokeswoman said.
The bushfire is burning near Upper Thornside Road and Threlkeld Road, Black Snake.
The fire is burning in an inaccessible area. QFES and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) crews were working to establish containment lines and continued to monitor the area overnight.
"Fire conditions are expected to escalate significantly today and continue until the weekend," the spokeswoman said.
"Heightened conditions at fires will remain challenging, fast moving and hard to contain."
Fire dangers are likely to increase to severe tomorrow in Wide Bay.
People in the region of the Black Snake fire will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
• Call Triple 000 if your property is under direct threat.
• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will go if the situation changes. • Close windows and doors to minimise smoke exposure.
EARLIER: Monday 11.30am:
CONDITIONS have worsened and a "Prepare to Leave" alert has now been issued for a bushfire burning on Black Snake Range, near Kilkivan.
"You need to be ready to follow your bushfire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises.
Currently as at 11.05am Monday 11 November, the bushfire is burning near Upper Thornside Road, Thornside Road and Threlkeld Road.
The fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction and is likely to impact Upper Thornside Road, Thornside Road and Threlkeld Road.
Fire crews and water bombing aircraft are working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) crews to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by. • Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandEmergencyServices) and Twitter (@QldFES) • Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;
• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au The next update will be provided by 1.05pm or if the situation changes.
EARLIER Saturday 10am:
One Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crew is currently on the scene at a bushfire burning at Kilkivan.
This fire broke out earlier this week and is currently burning at Range Road and Rossmore Road, Kilkivan.
"The fire is not posing any threat to properties but residents might be affected by smoke haze," QFES spokeswoman said.
"Residents are asked to close windows and doors and if suffering from a respiratory condition, keep medications close by. Motorists should drive with caution and to conditions. If residents are concerned their property is under threat they are advised to call triple-0 immediately."
There is little to no chance of rain today with the bureau forecasting a maximum of 31c, sunny, with areas of dust and smoke haze in the morning for the Brisbane area. Sunny afternoon. Winds south-westerly 20 to 30km/h becoming light in the evening then becoming south-westerly 15 to 20km/h in the late evening.
There is a fireban is in place which includes Kilkivan and Gympie, which prohibits the lighting of fires in the open which ends 12 midnight Friday, November 15.
All permits to light fire previously issued in the local fire ban are cancelled.
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