Bushfires
Local fire ban, Mt French fire burning in containment lines

A LOCAL Fire Ban is in place for the South East and South Western regions until midnight on Tuesday midnight (October 17).

The ban includes the local government areas of Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Logan as well as the local government areas of Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa and Balonne.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) imposed the wide ranging Ban at midnight on Saturday as current conditions are “perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly”.

Meanwhile the wildfire which burnt out areas between Frenches Creek Road and Mt French Road outside Boonah has "kicked up" again but is currently burning within containment lines. It is understood that air support has been called in again.

It is being closely monitored by Rural Fires personnel following back burning on Saturday evening and the dozing of a fire break between Crepin Road (off Frenches Creek Road) and Mt French Road.

• Under a local fire ban open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled.

Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start.

This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.

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