NOVEMBER 2019
     

State of Emergency declared in Queensland

Travellers warned of total ban on outside fires as bushfires rage

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GREY nomads and other campers across 42 local government areas in Queensland have been warned not to light outdoor fires as killer bushfires continue to rage.

A State of Emergency has been declared in the Sunshine State ahead of a prediction that "significantly heightened" fire weather conditions would continue into next week.

It prohibits the lighting of all types of outdoor fires also and bans certain activities that can cause fires to ignite.

The warning comes as more than 100 vehicles and 400 firefighters battled about 50 bushfires across the state this morning.

Blazes in Queensland and NSW have already claimed three lives, injured 30 people and destroyed more than 150 homes.

"We're experiencing tinderbox-like conditions across much of the state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services acting commissioner Mike Wassing said.

"This declaration is vital to prevent bushfires breaking out and posing a danger to lives and property."

Mr Wassing said the declaration overrode all existing permits to light fire and banned fireworks and the lighting of any outdoor cooking fires.

Offenders who ignore the warning face a fine of up to $3336 or two years imprisonment.

The declaration also prohibits welding, grinding and the use of oxy acetylene cutting or heating outdoors.

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