Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has imposed a local fire ban for North Coast residents.
The local fire ban will be in place from 7.50am Wednesday 10 March 2021 for residents in the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and Gympie Regional Council areas.
The ban is expected to remain in place until 11.50pm Tuesday 16 March 2021.
Under this local fire ban, all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled.
QFES encourages people to use extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start.
Fire ban regulations
In Queensland, the use of fire can be restricted by imposing either a Local Fire Ban or a State of Fire Emergency.
When it is predicted conditions and weather forecasts indicate that fires may be difficult to control and pose a danger to communities, the Commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) or their delegate has the authority under the provisions of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 to impose a local fire ban.
Local Fire Bans are normally imposed over an entire local government area and prohibit the lighting of all or certain types of fires, depending on the severity of the emergency. (Gas and electric barbecues may be used).
When fire bans are in place either as a local Fire Ban or during a State of Fire Emergency:
- The lighting of fires in the declared fire ban areas are prohibited subject to any special conditions or exemptions
- All open fires are prohibited
- All Permits to Light Fire issued in the designated area are cancelled.
For exemptions and more information visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
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