Up to 200 Rockhampton homes under threat

Rockhampton is on the brink of a state of emergency as out-of-control bushfires
threaten the Central Queensland city's northeastern outskirts.
Hundreds of residents are preparing to evacuate with the Queensland Fire and Rescue
Service (QFRS) warning that homes in suburban Norman Gardens and Frenchville could
be in extreme danger on Monday night.
Seventy-five firefighters have moved into the area, but the QFRS says it cannot
guarantee to protect all property and residents may be told to evacuate.
Firefighter numbers will get a much-needed boost on Tuesday when a relief contingent
of 67 from NSW, including paramedics, joins in the battle against fires threatening
both Rockhampton and Bundaberg, where there have been outbreaks at Kolonga and
Gaeta.
Assistant Commissioner Neil Gallant said up to 200 homes located along the fringe of
Rockhampton's Mt Archer National Park were in the danger zone.
"If you live in those areas and your home backs onto forest areas you need to be
prepared now to enact your bushfire plan and you need to be ready to evacuate your
home if the firefront arrives," he said.
"We will be looking at protecting each house, each street as need be," he said.
The NSW contingent - the largest ever sent from that state to Queensland - arrived
on Monday after local crews had battled bushfires non-stop for more than three
weeks.
"Acting Chief Superintendent Paul Adcock said the reinforcements had arrived just in
time as fire fighters were working to their physical limits.
"I have been part of the fire service for some 20 odd years and I can say that this
is the busiest period that I can recall," Mr Adcock said.
Police, meanwhile, are investigating a number of suspicious blazes believed to have
been started by arsonists.
It's believed a firebug torched a series of fires around the nearby coastal areas of
Emu Park and Tanby on Sunday, further straining local resources.
Mr Roberts urged members of the public to come forward with any information about
alleged incidents of arson, which is punishable by up to life in jail.
"This is irresponsible and criminal behaviour, we have seen tragedies in southern
states as a result of people lighting fires so we need people to come forward with
any information they have in relation to catching these culprits," he said.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said she was "disgusted" to learn the Mt Archer fire
might have been deliberately lit.
"Those people who deliberately set fires are a menace and a threat to the
community," Ms Bligh said.
"There is some evidence to suggest that it may not be the first time there may have
been arson in and around the Rockhampton area."