Bushfire near city under control
Bushfire near city under control
29 November 2006
published by www.news.com.au
Queensland, Australia — A blaze that threatened four properties inBrisbane’s north has been brought under control by fire crews.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) spokesman Kevin White tonight saidhot conditions and strong winds sparked the fire that came within metres ofhomes at Kurwongbah.
Firefighters hoped that storms predicted for southeast Queensland today wouldhelp extinguish the blaze but they produced only lightning strikes and strongwinds.
Almost 70 firefighters aided by three helicopters water bombing the area foralmost two hours finally brought the blaze under control.
Only a shed was damaged by the fire but a thick smoke haze blanketed Brisbaneand the Gold Coast for most of the day.
Mr White said Neilsens Road, Kurwongbah, closed about 5.30pm (AEST) todaybecause of the fire, would not be reopened tonight as crews backburn the area.
“It started as an undergrowth fire, I’m not sure where, but with thewind, heat and low humidity the fire quickly took hold and moved along,” hesaid.
Kurwongbah missed out on the worst weather that lashed the region tonight.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said strong winds and hail but minimal rainhit the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
Darra in Brisbane’s southwest was the worst hit with hail.
An ENERGEX spokesman tonight said more than 20,000 homes and businesses hadlost power almost 18,000 on the Gold Coast alone.
A State Emergency Services spokeswoman tonight said roof and tree damage wasreported at Esk and Crows Nest, north-west of Brisbane.
