THE current fire ban for Far North Queensland has been extended until Monday, 30 October as officers from several services including rural fire, fire rescue, Queensland Police and park rangers battle blazes across the region.
There are currently 11 fires burning in the Far Northern region with some of the major ones being near Herberton, Cooktown and Mount Windsor, south of Lakeland.
Over 20 officers from outside the Far North have been called to the region to assist in fighting the blazes and air support is being used to map and monitor the fires.
The existing fire ban has been extended as the current weather conditions and the state of the vegetation create a dangerous situation for officers and locals.
Far Northern Region director of regional operations Adam Gwin said lighting fires during this time is not a good idea as the blazes burn hotter, quicker and less predictably.
“Generally, at this time of the year we have increased fire activity and as of now we will continue to review and advise on the situation,” he said.
“Realistically the introduction of additional fires into the landscape is not beneficial as they burn incredibly hot and inhibit the vegetation’s natural regrowth.”
The local fire ban will be in place until next Monday, 30 October and you can monitor the fires here.
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