Smoke hazard closes Mt Archer road | Rockhampton News | Breaking News in Rockhampton

Firefighters backburn near New Zealand Gully to try and contain a large bushfire.

Chris Ison

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Fire at Mt Archer

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Qld urged to prepare for bushfires

WITH the climate creating dryer conditions once more in south-east Queensland, the threat of bushfires this season is very real.

RESIDENTS who live at the top of Mt Archer have been temporarily isolated after police closed Pilbeam Drive because of smoke hazards.

The fire burning on the Berserker Ranges on Rockhampton's outskirts has created a hazard for the road.

Police closed Pilbeam Drive around 10.45am and it was still closed at 1.30pm.

UPDATE 2PM: Seventeen households are being doorknocked by police as a fire threatens properties along Yeppoon Road.

Fire crews were doing major backburning on both sides of Mt Archer last night as they continued to battle the blaze on the mountain and in parts of Cawarral, east of Rockhampton.

A Queensland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said crews would conduct more backburning operations today.
 
Residents from the New Zealand Gully area who were relocated yesterday are expected to return to their homes this morning.
 
Residents in the Mt Archer summit area are reminded to remain vigilant, report any threat to property by phoning triple zero (000) and adhere to the directions of emergency services personnel.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area due to large amounts of smoke and emergency vehicles.

If it is necessary to drive in the area, local residents are requested to drive with their lights on due to smoke affecting visibility.

Regular updated information will be provided on the QFRS Rural Operations website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or at www.fire.qld.gov.au or by listening to your local radio station.
 
 

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