Town saved, cool change ahead but Queensland still on high alert
A cool change may be forecast but Queensland firefighters will remain on high alert as blazes continue to threaten homes across the state.
More than 60 Victorian firefighters are also heading north to provide welcome relief for fatigued crews who have been trying to beat the fires since they flared last week.
Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said it was timely support for crews fighting a deadly blaze at Tara that has destroyed more Queensland houses than the 2019 Black Summer disaster.
However, he expected interstate reinforcements to also help the Southern Downs border towns where fires are forcing people to flee their homes.
People at Dalveen, The Glen, Silverwood and Cherry Gully have been told to leave immediately on Wednesday.
Nearby Southern Downs towns Rosenthal Heights and Morgan Park have been told to prepare to evacuate.
The warnings come after Queensland and NSW firefighters joined forces to save border town Wallangarra late on Tuesday where four homes were destroyed.
Overall more than 1000 firefighters battled about 80 fires across Queensland on Tuesday.
McVeigh said 63 Victorian firefighters were due on Wednesday.
Many were expected to bolster crews at the Tara fire which is still threatening homes after claiming one life and burning more than 20,000 hectares in the past week.
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“It will go on record as having burnt the most number of homes across Queensland in any one fire – it is a real tragedy,” McVeigh told AAP.
To date it has destroyed 53 homes, four more than the Black Summer fires claimed across Queensland.
“It’s good to have support because fatigue is really starting to set in for a lot of people here,” McVeigh said.
“But with the fires burning in the Southern Downs area they (Victorian firefighters) might get dispersed.
“We have been going through an ordeal here but certainly I understand – the Southern Downs have to stand up and fight those fires.”
In a statement, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there had been about 900 fires in Queensland since October 21.
“Although the loss of property in these fires is significant, 387 homes have been saved,” she said
“This is a tribute to our fire fighters and the communities who continue to follow their directions.
“There is no doubt these combined efforts have saved lives.
“For those who have lost everything, the arms of Queenslanders are wrapping around them.
“More than 670 people have received emergency assistance payments so far with more on the way.”
McVeigh marvelled at how crews scrambled to help save Wallangarra on Tuesday.
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“Waterbombers that were aiding the fire here took off in a big hurry,” he said.
“I spoke to the mayor over there. The fire at Wallangarra, there were four homes lost – the fire was in town.
“It was absolutely critical that fire defences went there.”
About 50 Wallangarra residents evacuated across the border to the NSW town of Tenterfield but are expected to return on Wednesday.
“My heart goes out to those people who have lost their properties. But we didn’t lose any people – that’s our primary concern,” Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi told ABC TV.
QFES Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing said the Dalveen and the Wallangarra fires would be the focus of firefighting efforts in the coming days.
New Zealand firefighters are also expected in Queensland in the coming days.
Almost 300 people were forced to flee the Tara fire with about 60 still at evacuation centres.
Caravans are set to arrive in the coming days with temporary “donga” accommodation constructed over the next two months for those who have lost their homes.
McVeigh said the Tara fire was still not contained, with a warning current for nearby Kogan residents to prepare to evacuate.
A cool change is expected after firefighters endured extreme conditions on Tuesday with wind gusts of up to 50km/h and 37C heat.
However, firefighters have been told it may be days before they get a reprieve, with storms predicted later this week threatening more blazes from lightning strikes.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flew into Queensland on Tuesday to pledge support, with federal government funding available through the disaster recovery payment and allowance.
He expected 42,000 claims to be made.
