24/10/2023
**This warning is no longer current. For the latest updates visit www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.**
MEDIA BROADCASTING IN THE WARNING AREA SHOULD USE THE STANDARD EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNAL (SEWS) WITH THIS MESSAGE.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY - Tara, Wieambilla, Kogan, Goranba and Weranga - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 5:01pm Tuesday, 24 October 2023
Warning level: EMERGENCY WARNING
Warning area: Properties between Blackburn Road, Wieambilla Road, Joseph Road, Weranga North Road, Surat Development Road and Chinchilla Tara Road including Tara Kogan Road
*** There are multiple warnings for this area. To see all current warnings, visit the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website ***
A large, fast-moving fire is burning in between Tara, Wieambilla and Kogan. It is expected to impact Wieambilla, Goranba and Weranga very soon.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Your life could be at risk. It will soon be too dangerous to drive.
If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews.
What you should do:
- LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and follow your bushfire survival plan now.
- Go to a place away from the Emergency Warning area. Plan how you will get there. Tell others where you are going.
- Check for road closures before you leave at the QLD Traffic website or call 13 19 40.
- If you do not have a safe place to go to, there is an evacuation centre at Western Downs Regional Council customer contact centre, corner of Fry Street and Day Street, Tara.
- Wear protective clothing and stay hydrated.
- Keep medications close by.
- Stay informed:
- Keep checking the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website
- Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter
- Listen to your local radio station
- Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.
Impacts:
- Conditions could get worse quickly and properties may be impacted.
- Firefighters may not be able to stop the fire from getting closer. Do not expect a firefighter at your door.
- Power, water, and mobile phone services may stop working soon.
- Smoke will make it hard to see and breathe. The smoke will sting your eyes.
- It will be hot and loud. You may hear explosions nearby.
- The sky will be dark.
- You could be isolated.
If you can’t leave safely:
- Turn garden sprinklers on to soak the ground.
- Bring doormats and outdoor furniture inside or away from the house.
- Block downpipes at the top and fill gutters with water if you can.
- Find a safe place to shelter, preferably inside a brick building.
- Close windows, doors and vents.
- Seal gaps under doors and windows with wet towels.
- Fill containers with water for drinking and firefighting.
- Bring pets inside. Give them water to drink. Keep them safe.
Further Information:
- For all warnings, visit the https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.
- For road closures, visit the https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.
- If you stay, find out how to be safe at the https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfire/will-you-stay under Prepare – Bushfire – Know your risks – Will you stay.
Next update by 7:01pm or sooner if the situation changes.
This warning is from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.