As the men and women continuously battling the bushfires that have blazed across Queensland prepare for another challenging day, the forecast of up to 30mm of rain over the weekend has brought about a glimmer of hope. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted storms rolling through the region come Thursday, yet cautions that the conditions might fearfully escalate over the weekend.
The tumbling storm clouds are also set to envelop the northern parts of neighboring New South Wales, which are similarly grappling with voracious bushfires. As per the Bureau, isolated thunderstorms may be expected in the far west of Queensland and some regions of the central interior today. They have, however, dispelled worries of severity, guaranteeing that more extensive thunderstorms will establish themselves across southern Queensland from tomorrow (Friday).
Whilst these storms promise much-needed rainfall within the range of 10-30mm for the fire-streaked sites, the Bureau issues early warning of multiple consecutive days of storms for the Darling Downs and southern interior starting Friday. They predict that these storms will persist well into the next week.
Shifting focus to New South Wales, the Bureau announces the return of storms to the northern districts, the tablelands and the ACT by Friday. The severe storms that may rise have the potential of hailing large hailstones and whipping up damaging winds in the North West Slopes, Plains and northeastern locales, they advised on Thursday.
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, in response to the fury of a large and dangerous fire blazing in the Carnarvon National Park and Bandana State Forest, issued a “prepare to leave” alert for the localities of Carnarvon Gorge, Buckland, Consuelo, Rewan and their surrounding areas on Thursday morning. They have warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions and reaffirmed that firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the fire. Aided by firefighting aircraft, these ground crews admonish residents that personal visits to their doors should not be anticipated.
Residents have also been cautioned against the risk venturing back to regions such as Cherry Gully near Warwick, The Glen, Silverwood, Dalveen, Colosseum and Mount Tom near Miriam Vale. Areas tucked between Old Stanthorpe Rd, Odea Rd and Cullendore Rd are especially vulnerable. The QFES stated that the fire smouldering near Hopgoods Rd, Elbow Valley remains lit and it is, worryingly, journeying towards Cherribah Cherry Gully Rd. The firefighting team is doggedly working to regain control over the fire.
Properties ensnared between Pikedale Rd, the New England Highway, and extending across to Cullendore Rd, including Old Stanthorpe Rd, are presently too unsafe to be accessed. The warning also extends to properties nestled between Lowmead Rd and Fingerboard Rd at Colosseum and Mount Tom. According to the QFES, the Lowmead Rd fire stays ignited as it travels menacingly towards Colosseum and Fingerboard Rd. Again, those who have fled are warned that returning is far too perilous currently.
Talking to ABC News, a QFES representative expressed confidence that the evacuees would be able to reintegrate into their homes safely and securely soon, citing the advent of wetter, cooler weather as transformative to their fight. Looking ahead, they mentioned the foreseen challenges awaiting in the long fire season and hinted at expected activity in the upcoming weeks.
In the meantime, additional reinforcement to alleviate Queensland’s firefighting force has made its way from Victoria and New Zealand. Notably, a band of over 80 hardy Victorian firefighters has also joined the ranks, providing some respite for Queensland’s firefighters. This was kindly acknowledged by Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Queensland Premier, on Wednesday, who noted that although the outcome of these fires has led to the loss of numerous properties, the efforts of their firefighters and their local communities saved 387 homes.
While times are trying and losses substantial, Annastacia Palaszczuk praised the unity that saw Queenslanders standing together and supporting each other. A high fire danger rating remains in place for the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, North West, and Channel Country regions.
