UPDATE (6pm): The Isis Cultural Centre in Childers has been established as a place of refuge for people who need accommodation because of fires in the Woodgate, Walkers Point and Buxton areas. Read more here.
EARLIER: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has advised Buxton residents should evacuate the area by heading west along Buxton Road.
“Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing,” QFES said.
“The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path.”
The bushfire warning, issued at 3.50 pm, was listed at Emergency Warning level and said a bushfire was approaching Buxton.
In a separate warning people in the Walkers Point area have been advised to evacuate via Walkers Point Road, towards Woodgate Bowls Club, Kangaroo Court.
Residents in Kinkuna Waters Estate have been asked to evacuate west on Woodgate Road towards Goodwood.
Residents in the Woodgate township are not required to evacuate at this point in time.
For residents in Buxton, Kinkuna Waters Estate and Walkers Point, leaving immediately is the safest option, as it will soon be too dangerous to drive.
EARLIER: Police have made an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act due to a dangerous grass fire burning in Woodgate with residents in Walkers Point and Kinkuna Waters Estate asked to evacuate.
The exclusion zone is bound by the Burrum River west of the Bruce Highway, Bruce Highway north to Goodwood Road and Goodwood Road to Elliot River.
Residents within the exclusion zone are urged to follow the advice of emergency services on the ground.
Woodgate Road between Heidkes Road and Frizzells Road is currently closed in both directions.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is asking residents in Kinkuna Waters Estate to evacuate west on Woodgate Road towards Goodwood.
There is a separate warning current for people in the Walkers Point area who have been advised to evacuate via Walkers Point Road, towards Woodgate Bowls Club, Kangaroo Court.
Residents in the Woodgate township are not required to evacuate at this point in time.
There are 32 emergency response vehicles on scene and another 3 on route.
In an update issued at 1.55 pm QFES said there was a fast-moving bushfire burning near Woodgate Road and Woppis Road, travelling towards Kinkuna Waters Estate.
“…conditions are getting worse,” the warning said.
“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.”
EARLIER: As at 11.45am Wednesday, 13 November, a fast-moving bushfire was burning near Woodgate Road and Woppis Road, heading towards Walkers Point Road.
“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,” QFES said.
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.
Low-flying aircraft in Bundaberg
Bundaberg residents are advised that low-flying aircraft may be observed near the Airport. These are water bombing aircraft that are working on the Woodgate fire.
They are filling up at the airport and due to the wind and being fully loaded they take a while to gain altitude when taking off.
What you should do
• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
• Put on protective clothing (eg a long-sleeved cotton shirt, boots with thick soles).
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
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.
• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
If you are unable to leave:
• Bring pets inside; restrain them with a leash, a cage, or inside a secure room; and provide them with plenty of water.
• 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.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
Keep up to date
- Visit the Bundaberg Regional Council Disaster Dashboard.
- Follow QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandEmergencyServices) and Twitter (@QldFES)
- Tune 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;
- Visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
- Other news: Firefighting efforts continue in Woodgate area
