LEAVE NOW: Emergency warning for bushfire raging in Queensland as temperatures soar and a hazard reduction burn in Tasmania spirals out of control
Emergency warnings have been issued across Queensland and Tasmania in the wake of raging bushfires.
The large bushfire in far north Queensland has threatened lives and homes, with residents told to leave immediately.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services began fighting the 'dangerous and uncontrolled' blaze in Cooktown, north of Cairns, on Saturday.
Conditions are very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing, a 'leave immediately' alert issue warned.
Emergency services warned residents to evacuate their homes on Saturday after two massive blazes broke out near Cairns in Queensland and east of Launceston in Tasmania
A Queensland fire danger rating issued for the weekend by the Queensland Fire Service
Residents were urged to leave their homes just after 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
'Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises there is a bushfire travelling on both sides of Oakey Creek Road in Cooktown.
'Leaving immediately is the safest option, as it will soon be too dangerous to drive.
'The fire poses a threat to all lives directly in its path,' the statement said.
'You should not expect a firefighter at your door: act now.'
QFES said the fire was expected to reach multiple properties and have a significant impact on the community.
Queensland (pictured in January) residents who live near the fire have been told 'the fire poses a threat to all lives' and that firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing
Power, water and mobile phone service may be lost and road conditions may become very dangerous over the next several hours.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
A bushfire emergency was also declared in a seaside town on Tasmania's east coast.
The hazard reduction burn on the outskirts of St Helens, two hours east of Launceston, broke containment lines and firefighters struggled to bring it back under control.
Those living in the area were told to put bushfire emergency plans into action, with the Tasmania Fire Service warning homes were at risk from falling embers.
The Tasmanian bushfire broke out when firefighters lost control of a hazard reduction burn on the outskirts of St Helens and residents were told to leave
The Tasmania Fire Service warning homes were at risk from falling embers and the smoke and ash would make it difficult to see and breathe (Queensland pictured in 2019)
TFS also warned smoke and ash would make it difficult to see and breathe.
An evacuation centre has been set up at the St Helens Football Club.
The bushfire emergency warning was downgraded to a watch and act alert later in the afternoon.
Fire and Emergency Services have urged residents to watch out for regular fire updates, put on protective clothing and drink plenty of water.
When leaving home residents are advised to secure their pets, check for road closures and advise family and friends of the intended travel route.
Motorists have been urged to drive with caution and remember to bring essential items like passports, birth certificates, food and medication.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A BUSHFIRE
• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service website for regular updates.
• Put on protective clothing (e.g. a long-sleeved cotton shirt, boots with thick soles).
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
• Secure your pets for safe transport.
• Check for road closures and then advise family and friends of your intended travel route.
• Take your important documents and essential items (e.g., passports, birth certificates, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing) when you leave.
• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
Source: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services