Ten crews battle O'Connell fire

Amy Glass | 4th July 2009

TEN fire crews battled a bushfire near O'Connell in South Gladstone yesterday, saving several homes threatened by the blaze.

Rural firefighters contend with smoke at a 300 hectare fire at O'Connell.

The Observer

TEN fire crews battled a bushfire near O'Connell in South Gladstone yesterday, saving several homes threatened by the blaze.

Fire crews were called to the fire just before 11am, with a total of 26 urban and rural firefighters fighting the blaze, which burnt about 300 hectares of land.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Gladstone acting superintendent Robert Bloss told The Observer homeowners joined fire crews in the battle to keep the fire contained away from homes by back-burning and protecting dwellings.

No homes were damaged in the fire and there were no homes still under threat last night, he said.

The fire is not believed to be suspicious.

“This is a timely reminder for home-owners to check their properties for any fire risks leading into the grass fire season,” Mr Bloss

said.

Meanwhile, motorists travelling along the Gladstone-Benaraby Road over the weekend were advised to take care due to hazardous smoke in the area, he said.

“People need to drive slowly through smoke-fogged areas, and be aware that emergency services personnel may be working in the area,” he said.

Mr Bloss expected fire crews would be required to monitor the area throughout the weekend.

This is a timely reminder for home-owners to check their properties for any fire risks leading into the grass fire season