Bushfires are easing in Queensland after emergency-level fires tore through massive swathes of land, destroying multiple homes.
The Southern Downs region has been dampened by rain and cool conditions, giving firefighters the break needed to get the upper hand on the bushfire emergency, which has destroyed 20,000 hectares in the region alone.
There are currently 20 fires burning across the state at advice level.
Yesterday two fires were burning out of control in Innot Hot Springs and Jumna Dam, south of Cairns.
Both fires have been downgraded to Watch and Act levels, however, it is still not safe for residents to return.
Springsure Farmer Sid Goodwin lost thousands of acres of land and cattle in a fire burning near Carnarvon Gorge National Park.
“We have suffered significant loss on the two properties here, close to 25,000 acres which is just under half. [We also lost] 4000 head of cattle,” Goodwin told Today this morning.
“By no means are we on our own here, we have a quite a few neighbours that have also lost similar percentages of their farm I’m sure.
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“Once you start losing 50 to 60 per cent of your production, it does cut pretty deep…[but] we are very lucky no one was injured… we’ve still got our home.”
Bushfires in Dalveen, Wallangarra and Jennings have been deemed safe for residents to return to if they proceed with caution, as they are downgraded to Advice level.
Wallangarra and Jennings were burning at emergency levels earlier this week, with residents previously told to evacuate on Wednesday.
Locals in Palmview, Oak Beach, Innot Hot Springs, Dumgree and Mount Alma, Crystal Brook, Miriam Vale, Bororen, Lowmead, Gin Gin and Herberton have also been warned to be cautious of breathing in the smoke as the wet weather helps extinguish fires across the state.
“Stay inside and close windows and doors. Keep respiratory medication close by. Follow your bushfire survival plan now,” the QFES said.
“Avoid driving through smoke if you can. Watch out for firefighters working in the area. Do not fly drones around the fire [as] drones affect air operations.”
By 6pm Friday, there were 59 active fires across the state.
