Bushfires sear Qld, evacuations urged

Nearly 600 firefighters are battling 52 blazes in Queensland, with some emergency
crews in need of reinforcements.

Blazes were threatening homes and property on Saturday near Mt Archer National Park
near Rockhampton and also in Springsure, just west of Emerald.
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) has advised residents whose homes back
onto bushland in the suburbs of Frenchville, Koongal, Lakes Creek and other areas at
Mt Archer to leave the area immediately if the path is clear.
A large fast-moving bushfire was continuing to burn at Mt Archer and headed
west-northwest toward buildings on the fringes of Frenchville, Koongal and Lakes
Creek.
"It will be very hot and windy, and as the fire approaches it will become
increasingly difficult to breathe," the QFRS said.
"Residents are strongly advised to leave now if they are able to do so. Leaving is
the safest option for survival."
Mark Roche, QFRS state commander, earlier said that residents had remained calm
despite warnings they may need to evacuate.
"No, there's no panic," Mr Roche told AAP.
"We've tried to keep people as well informed as we possibly can.
"They need to be aware well in advance that they have responsibilities in relation
to protection of themselves and their properties."
Police have declared an emergency in Mount Archer and warned motorists to avoid the
area because of fires and smoke haze.
Mr Roche said at 2pm (AEST) on Saturday, a total of 582 personnel were helping to
contain 52 blazes around Queensland.
A rural strike team from Brisbane arrived in Townsville on Saturday afternoon to
help fight the fires at Mt Archer.
"We're starting to get a rotation of staff," Mr Roche said.
Aerial water bombing was undertaken in Gin Gin, 50km west of Bundaberg.
Jeff Keating, from Queensland Fire and Rescue, said crews had contained a blaze at
nearby Mt Perry but it was more difficult near Gaeta, where more than 16,000
hectares have been destroyed this week.
"Fortunately, we had some pretty good conditions overnight that allowed us to do
some backburning through those areas," he said.
"I think the biggest problem for us is that our fire crews have been at this for the
last couple of weeks, and we're starting to run out of people to be able to get them
out there on the trucks."
Mr Roche said it was fortunate many of the fires had broken out on the weekend when
most volunteers were available for duty.
"But as these things go on there's a lot of pressure on them and their families, but
we're keeping on top of it," he added.
"We need people to start getting their own (evacuation) plans in place early, not at
the last minute.
"I think our communities are significantly aware and educated to do that."