THE State of Fire Emergency Declaration imposed on a slew of local government areas in early November has been partially wound back as fire conditions eased.
Last night the acting Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Mike Wassing said the declaration would be lifted from 36 of 42 local government areas.
The Redlands and Logan are among these areas but the declaration still applies to Scenic Rim, where several fires remain active.
The far-reaching declaration was imposed across a large stretch of the state on November 9 to ban activities that could cause fires to ignite, including the use of power tools, barbecues and naked flames outdoors.
Mr Wassing said the move was in response to an escalating bushfire risk gripping parts of Queensland.
"The State of Fire Emergency Declaration now applies only to Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Ipswich, Southern Downs and Scenic Rim local government areas," he said.
"Significant blazes continue to burn in these areas and the bushfire risk remains high, which is why the declaration will continue until further notice.
"The declaration has been cancelled in areas where the bushfire danger has fallen."
Mr Wassing said the declaration would also be amended to provide clarity for fireworks operators in the remaining six local government areas.
"We have listened to feedback from fireworks operators about the various types of activities that were restricted but did not pose a risk from vegetation fire and we have taken steps to clarify the declaration," Mr Wassing said.
"These types of displays must comply with the Queensland Code of Practice Close Proximity Fireworks and be approved by the assistant commissioner for the Rural Fire Service, however it is does not permit the large aerial displays.
"QFES will continue to closely monitor the risks in the local government areas still under the Declaration and will lift restrictions when it is safe to do so."
Mr Wassing said residents in the 36 local government areas where the declaration had been lifted might still be under local fire bans.
"Local Fire Bans have been re-introduced in many local government areas that were covered by the Declaration," he said.
"Residents should speak with their local fire wardens and visit the Rural Fire Service website to determine what restrictions are in place."
Mr Wassing said the decision to impose the declaration was necessary given the bushfire threat confronting Queensland.
"Many parts of the state were experiencing dangerous fire weather conditions, so moves had to be taken quickly to address this," he said.
"I want to thank the community for abiding by these conditions and doing their bit to prevent bushfires starting and spreading."
Mr Wassing said all Queenslanders should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prepare their loved ones and properties to withstand bushfires.
"Queensland is in the midst of a prolonged and intense bushfire season, so the threat of fires is far from over," he said.
"Preparing a bushfire survival plan and clearing flammable materials from properties all contribute to reducing the bushfire risk and assisting our crews on the ground."
Local fire bans still apply across large parts of the state after the State of Fire and Emergency was partially lifted.
The following local government areas have reverted to a local fire ban:
. Tablelands Regional
. Etheridge
. Croydon
. Logan City
. Gold Coast City
. Moreton Bay Regional
. Brisbane City
. Redlands City
. Bundaberg
. North Burnett
. South Burnett
. Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire
. Fraser Coast Regional
. Gympie Regional
. Sunshine Coast Regional
. Noosa Shire
. McKinlay Shire
. Richmond Shire
. Charters Towers Regional
. Hinchinbrook Shire
. Townsville City
. Burdekin Shire
. Whitsunday Regional
. Isaac Regional
. Mackay Regional
. Central Highlands Regional
. Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire
. Banana Shire
. Gladstone Regional
. Livingstone Shire
. Rockhampton Regional
All open fires are prohibited and all permits to light fire issued in the area are cancelled.
For more information on local fire bans head to the Rural Fire Service website: https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Using_Fire_Outdoors/Pages/Fire-Bans-and-Restrictions.aspx
