100 homes saved, fire contained

FIRE crews have contained a fire burning in the Norman Gardens area of Rockhampton area this afternoon.
Crews protected around 100 houses in the area this morning with minimal loss reported. 
Firebreaks in the Frenchville area have prevented the fire impacting on residents in the northern part of Frenchville Road, the southern side of Sunset Drive and residents in Guthrie Street. 
Residents in these areas are urged to remain vigilant in case conditions change. 
Fire crews in the area are now working to contain a small outbreak of fire on Barkers Road at Nerimbera.
Firefighters have conducted property protection around three houses in the area this afternoon. 
The QFRS is reminding residents that the Rockhampton area is currently under a fire ban and is asking residents to refrain from lighting fires around their property to protect them.
If residents feel that their property is threatened by fire they are urged to ring triple zero (000). 
The QFRS is also asking any residents not directly affected by the bushfire threat to conserve their use of water so that residents and firefighters who require extra water and water pressure have what they need to protect properties.   Update at 2pm:Around 43 fire crews and three water bombing aircraft are continuing to protect properties around the Norman Gardens area this afternoon as fire continues to threaten houses in the area.

Crews have successfully protected approximately 100 homes this morning although some residences have fence damage. 
Residents in the northern part of Frenchville Drive, the southern side of Sunset Drive and residents in Guthrie Street can expect the fire to impact them this afternoon.
A bulldozer is currently constructing a firebreak in this area to prevent the fire from reaching properties.
However, residents in these areas are still advised to enact their bushfire plans and if their plan is to relocate they should consider doing so now. 
Residents who decide to relocate are advised to stay with family or friends but if this option is not available, the PCYC on Bridge Street in Rockhampton has been identified as an assembly point. 
The QFRS is also asking any residents not directly affected by the bushfire threat to conserve water so that residents and firefighters who require extra water and water pressure have what they need to protect properties. 
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.

All roads closed by police have now been reopened.
Police are reminding motorists there is still potential for immediate road closures should further need arise.

Residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:

• Put on protective clothing
• Drink lots of water
• Move car/s to a safe location
• Close windows and doors and shut blinds
• Bring pets inside and restrain them (leash, cage or secure room) and provide water
• Wet down fine fuels close to buildings
• Remove garden furniture, doormats and other items
• Seal all gaps under doors and screens
• Fill containers with water - bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins, etc
• Have ladders ready for roof space acess (inside) and against roof (outside)
• Have generator or petrol pump ready
• Check and patrol outside for embers and extinguish any spot fires and seek shelter as fire front arrives.

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

Read more ...

Couple touched by Rocky's heart

Rocky declared disaster zone

Heroes praised, arson fears rise

Some fires look suspicious

Frenchville fire threat eases

Here's how the fires developed

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

Qld bushfire safety tips

Strong winds a big bushfire concern