Source: QLD Rural Fire Service

PREPARE TO LEAVE: Black Snake bushfire as at 1.20pm Thurs 14 Nov

Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises there is a bushfire in 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.

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 12.40pm 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.

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.

People nearby 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.

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 (@QldFireandRescueService) 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

FURTHER INFORMATION:
- 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

RFS Current Bushfires