Community & Business
31 October, 2023
Townsville troops called in to help fight blazes
MAJOR bushfires in Mutchilba have wreaked havoc over the past week, with the local brigade bringing on 12 new firefighters from Townsville to help fight the blazes.
From 23-30 October, firefighters have attended 19 blazes between Lakeland, Mareeba, Tablelands and Cairns.
A major fire in Mutchilba last Thursday raged through properties between Metzger Road, Mareeba Dimbulah Road, Barbetti Road, Craig Road and De Lacy Road, Piemonte Road and Algoma Road, triggering the first Seek Shelter Immediately emergency warning of the local fire season.
The Seek Shelter alert has since been revoked, however, firefighters are still tackling blazes in the area.
Prepare to Leave alerts were also issued for areas in Millstream, Ravenshoe and Tinaroo, keeping local firefighters on their toes all week.
Incident control coordinator Neil Parker said whilst many of the fires were accidental, some are still being treated as suspicious.
“It’s been a mixture – we had an alleged arson attack along the coast last night, which we have been investigating, and we have also had some accidental lightings caused by welders, slashers and even a trailer falling off a vehicle,” he said.
“There are a number of causes, and anything suspicious is being investigated.”
The local fire ban has also been extended until 6 November.
For more information, visit the QFES website.
