Firefighting efforts continue in Woodgate area

UPDATE 15 NOVEMBER: Woodgate Road is now closed in both directions as firefighters work to control the bushfire in the area with leave now advice current for Kinkuna Waters and Walkers Point.

At 12.35 pm Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advised that a bushfire was continuing to burn near Woodgate Road and Woppis Road, and travelling towards Walkers Point Road, Woodgate.

“Woodgate Road is now closed in both directions,” QFES said.

“Residents who have been evacuated from Walkers Point Road are still unable to return to Walkers Point.

“There continues to be no access to Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road due to the dangers in the burnt out area.”

Leave now advice for Kinkuna Waters Estate was also issued at 12.30 pm with a bushfire burning nearby.

“The fire is not contained,” QFES said.

“The fire is burning on the northern side of Woodgate Road travelling in a westerly direction towards Kinkuna Waters Estate.

“The fire is also burning on the southern side of Woodgate Road towards Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road.”

Council's Woodgate Transfer Station will remain closed throughout the weekend with its next operating day to be advised.

For residents who have already self-evacuated and are unable to shelter with friends and family, an evacuation centre is open at the Isis Cultural Centre, 49 Churchill Street, Childers.

Fire crews, with the assistance of heavy machinery and water bombing aircraft will continue to work throughout the day to construct containment lines and carry out firefighting activities.

Firefighting efforts are continuing with Buxton properties along Devils Elbow Road likely to be impacted and Woodgate Road reopened for Woodgate residents only.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) issued prepare to leave advice for Buxton residents at 8.15 pm that said conditions could get worse.

“A dangerous fire is travelling from Woodgate Road towards Buxton,” QFES said.

“The fire is likely to impact properties along Devils Elbow Road on the south side of the Gregory River.

“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.”

A leave now warning remains current for both Walkers Point and Kinkuna Waters Estate.

At 6.55 pm QFES advised Woodgate residents only were permitted to return home under police escort.

“Queensland Police Service (QPS) are allowing residents from the Woodgate township through the road block on Woodgate Road to return to their residences under QPS control.

“Residents from Kinkuka Waters Estate, Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road cannot return to their properties at this time.

“A bushfire is burning near Woodgate Road and Woppis Road, and travelling towards Walkers Point Road, Woodgate.

“Residents who have self-evacuated from Walkers Point Road to the township of Woodgate should stay in Woodgate as Woodgate Road is closed between Frizzels Road in Woodgate and the train tracks in Goodwood.”

QFES said a fast-moving bushfire was still burning near Kinkuna Waters Estate in advice issued at 7 pm.

“One seat of fire is burning on the northern side of Woodgate Road travelling in a westerly direction towards Kinkuna Waters Estate. A second seat of fire is burning on the southern side of Woodgate Road towards Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road.

“The fire is currently impacting these areas. The fire could have a significant impact on these communities.”

Residents who have evacuated from Kinkuna Waters Estate, Jarretts Road and Heidkes Road are advised Woodgate Road is now closed between the train tracks in Goodwood and Frizzells Road, Woodgate.

“They cannot return to their properties at this time,” QFES 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.”

For residents who have already self-evacuated and are unable to shelter with friends and family, an evacuation centre is open at the Isis Cultural Centre, 49 Churchill Street, Childers.

QFES is reminding residents that 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. 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.

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