As part of Operation Cool Burn 2019, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), in conjunction with the Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC), will conduct planned hazard reduction burns in the Emerald area during August and September.
Pending suitable weather conditions, these burns will begin this weekend starting with bushland surrounding the Emerald Airport.
The burn will be conducted between 12.00 pm Saturday 3 August and 12.00 pm Sunday 4 August. It will not affect flights or air traffic control.
As a result, smoke may be seen in and around the Emerald area.
Smoke could decrease visibility on the roads, so motorists should drive with caution and to conditions. Residents are asked to close windows and doors, and keep their medications close by if suffering from a respiratory condition.
These hazard reduction burns will help to protect the community from the impacts of potential bushfires. They will reduce fuel loads, which will reduce the intensity of subsequent bushfires and provide favourable conditions for natural forest regeneration.
If your property adjoins a planned burn site, please check your boundary to ensure it can be accessed and remove any flammable materials. This will assist fire crews conducting the burn.
Information on individual burns will be available on the QFES Facebook page.
For more information, please call the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, Emerald Command Office on 07 4983 7586.