Queensland is currently facing a serious environmental issue. The state is dealing with several bushfires while preparing for an expected harsh weather season. The region’s ongoing recovery from last season’s severe floods and storms intensifies the urgency. Authorities have already declared most local government areas as disaster zones. The difficult fire situation was highlighted by a major fire on Moreton Island, which burned 2,300 hectares. The incident is frustrating for authorities, as it is believed that the fire started from an illegal campfire on Saturday, even with an active fire ban in place. Moreover, the fire threat continues, with two active fires in the Bundaberg area requiring “watch and act” responses.
To reduce the risk, fire bans have been extended until October 10 for Central Queensland, and a ban is still in effect for the southeast regions. Adding to the risk, Queensland is experiencing widespread above-average temperatures, leading to about 60 active fires reported as of Tuesday. Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith described this fire season as “average” overall. However, he pointed out a significant risk: the large amount of fuel that has built up during several recent wet seasons. The Commissioner mentioned “bursts of severe activity,” referring to the events of the past week. He noted a clear trend, expressing concern over the growing frequency and intensity of bushfires in recent years. He was particularly upset about incidents like the Moreton Island fire, which he considered entirely preventable. The state’s recovery status is still a major worry, as Emergency Services Minister Ann Leahy highlighted on Tuesday morning.
The minister confirmed that the lingering effects of extreme weather are still felt in many communities. The severe flooding and storms of last season have resulted in prior disaster declarations in 73 out of 77 local council areas. Minister Leahy expressed the reality, stating, “We still have places that are recovering from the events of this year.” State Disaster Coordinator Christopher Stream supported this view, recalling that Queensland experienced “record-breaking” events during the last disaster season, confirming its position as the most disaster-affected state. Stream observed, “We know that Queensland is experiencing more , more intense disasters.” Looking ahead, forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predict a potentially wet period. Long-range models suggest above-average rainfall for the southeast and far north regions between now and January.
The outlook includes chances of severe storms, along with the typical three to four tropical cyclones that usually cross the Australian coastline. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner warned city residents to prepare for “quite violent storms.” He emphasized the importance of being vigilant year-round: “Every summer… we want to make sure that people are aware that it can be any kind of natural disaster that comes our way,” referencing the unexpected cyclone at the beginning of the year and the recent bushfires. The immediate forecast also poses a challenge, with unusually warm weather affecting Brisbane and parts of the southeast.
BOM senior meteorologist Harry Clark stated that these above-average temperatures will likely continue throughout the week. Temperatures in the area are expected to range from 32 to 35°C, about five degrees higher than the seasonal norm. The peak of this “phenomenal October heat,” caused by a low-pressure trough bringing warm winds, is anticipated over the weekend, with highs reaching the upper 30°C range on Saturday. While there might be some rain over the weekend, Mr. Clark described the forecast as “fairly hit and miss.” To tackle the immediate fire risk, a total fire ban is in effect for southeast Queensland until 11:59 pm on Tuesday. Fire bans in the central zone, which includes places like South Burnett, Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Gympie, have been extended until October 10. A brief reprieve is expected later in the week, as the high fire danger along the southeast coast is predicted to drop to a moderate level from Wednesday to Friday, though smoke haze is likely to persist. The combined challenges of wildfire management and preparation for severe storms and cyclones keep Queensland in a state of heightened emergency readiness.
