Bushfire update Rockhampton

LAST UPDATE: 10.20AM | 18th October 2009

<strong>10.20AM UPDATE:</strong> Firies still battling large bushfire. A chopper will do air surveillance around Frenchville to identify areas most at risk.

Firefighters deploy to save houses in Koongal as a large bushfire sweeps through the outskirts of Rockhampton.

Chris Ison

Photos

Rockhampton bushfire

View Photo Gallery »

QFRS UPDATE 8AM:
THE Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFRS) continues to battle a large bushfire at Mount Archer.

Numerous fire crews remained on scene in the Frenchville area overnight conducting backburning around properties.

A helicopter will conduct air surveillance around the Frenchville area this morning to assist to identify the areas most at risk.

The QFRS confirmed late last night that a home located on Poinciana Street, Koongal had been destroyed by fire. It is believed the home was unoccupied. There are no further details available on property loss or damage.

Rockhampton Yeppoon road will continue to remain closed until the danger passes. Motorists are advised to continue to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to have clear access.

Property owners in the Lakes Creek area and at the base of Mount Archer who were earlier relocated yesterday were advised last night that they can return to their homes.

Residents should continue to be prepared to enact their bushfire plans and take advice from authorities.

POLICE UPDATE 10.20AM:
An emergency situation in the Mt Archer area remains in place as bushfires continue to burn in the area.

One significant burning area is around the Forbes Avenue and Frenchville Road areas, including along the rear of Neill Street, Murlay Avenue and Thirkettle Avenue which represents the western base side of the Mt Archer range.

The Yeppoon to Rockhampton Road remains closed.

Police and the SES will doorknock residences on the northern reaches of the Yeppoon Rockhampton Road, and residences on the foot of Mt Archer from the northern boundary of Frenchville Road through to Yeppoon Road this morning, giving residents an update on the fires and advice on safety and preparation should an evacuation be necessary.

Police urge residents in the area to continue to regularly monitor updates issued by the Department of Community Safety (media releases) and the QFRS Rural Operations website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or at www.fire.qld.gov.au. Residents should also monitor local radio stations for updates.

Police would like to remind motorists that travel can be extremely hazardous due to the bushfires and associated smoke haze. Motorist should limit non essential travel in these areas.

Motorists and pedestrians are reminded that road conditions can change rapidly and extreme caution should be exercised at all times. Local road closures are put in place as the fire threat or smoke haze demands and several local roads in the affected areas are currently closed.

Other news on the fires...

Saturday, October 17: Firefighters battle to save Rockhampton homes

Saturday, October 17: A man's terrifying wait to see if his home is still standing

Click here for the latest bushfire report from the Queensland Fire and Rescue service.

Read more ...

It will be a long day

Bushfire may have been deliberately lit

Ergon energy replaces burnt power poles

Firefighters battle to save Rocky homes

Police door knock 17 homes

Homes safe but fires still loom

Twenty fires keep Qld crews busy

Bushfire emergency declared