30-09-2011
Gold Coast Group AGM
The AGM elections were held last night and the results are :-
Group Officer (Steven Dalton); Deputy Group Officers (Alan Richards, Steve Ritchardson, Matthew Benham); 
GAO (Keith Woodbridge); GTO (Glenn Brooker)

		NT	Weather helps Northern Territory firefighters
		NT	Territory road travellers warned of smoke hazards
		NSW	Broken Hill Fire brigade forecasts dangerous summer
		QLD	Fire Activity Report Friday, 30 September 2011 as at 7am 30/09/2011 7:09:00 AM
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =5.0mm  Month total= 24.0mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

29-09-2011
Substantial Progress made on Rural Fire Recommendations
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has made substantial progress implementing recommendations made by the Auditor-General in his 2008 report into the Management of Rural Fire Services in Queensland, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.
"In 2008, the Auditor General noted that the Rural Fire Service provides effective management of fires within rural communities, and I firmly believe this remains so today," Mr Roberts said.
"Since the release of the Auditor-General's 2008 report the service has effectively responded to one of the worst bushfire seasons in Queensland's history in 2009 and is again well prepared to respond to the higher bushfire risk currently being experienced across Queensland."
Mr Roberts said the Auditor-General made 16 recommendations in his 2008 report on how to enhance the rural fire service.
"Today, the Auditor-General has released his follow-up audit to the 2008 report and has raised some concerns abou t progress against some of its recommendations," Mr Roberts said.
"I am pleased that he has noted that 15 of the 16 recommendations have been either been fully or partially implemented."
Only one recommendation - recommendation 7 - has not been implemented. The recommendation deals with the legal status of rural fire brigades and their relationship with the Department of Community Safety.
"The Auditor-General suggests the relationship between brigades and the department needs to be confirmed to ensure the department has effective control over the volunteer resources and assets under brigade control," Mr Roberts said.
"As a result of the Report of the Public Accounts and Public Works Committee, the Government has committed to a much wider review of the Rural Fire Service than that proposed by the Auditor-General.
"We have committed to an independent, external review which will consider not only the legal relationship between individual brigades and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service but the broader structural arrangements, funding for rural fire services and the collection and distribution of fire levels as well as an appropriate accountability framework.
"This advice is included in the Auditor-General's Report.
"What the Department of Community Safety wants to ensure is that bureaucratic processes will not adversely impact on local activities, especially fundraising. This view is consistent with the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry into the Rural Fire Service.
"It is important to reassure local Rural Fire Brigades that funds raised locally will remain under the control of local brigades and be used for purposes determined locally. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has no intention or desire to control these funds."
Mr Roberts said a parliamentary committee inquiry into the Rural Fire Service also impacted on the service's ability to fully respond to the A uditor-General's report.
"The Auditor General's report was released in May 2008 and the Department and Rural Fire Service immediately commenced implementation of the majority of recommendations," he said.
"Soon after, in August 2008, the-then Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee advised it would undertake further investigations into the issues identified in the Auditor-General's report.
"Following the election in 2009, the newly-formed Public Accounts and Public Works Committee resolved to complete the former committee's inquiry and tabled a discussion paper in November 2009.
"Whereas the implementation of the Auditor-General's recommendations continued, it was difficult for the QFRS to undertake detailed work on issues that were under active consideration by the PAPWC, which included accountability mechanisms in place within the Rural Fire Service.
"The PAPWC's report was tabled in Parliament in June 2011, with the government tabli ng its response in September 2011.
"The government supported nine of the 15 recommendations and noted the remaining six, which will be subject to further review and detailed cost analysis, including a commitment to a comprehensive review of the legal position of fire brigades.
"This further review and analysis is currently underway and will be completed as soon as possible however the current priority for the Rural Fire Service is the approaching bushfire season."
Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
29/09/2011
Media contact: (07) 3239 0199

Issues raised by Auditor-General and DCS response -
Legal status of Rural Fire Brigades
DCS Response: Following the completion of the PAPWC inquiry, the department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the legal position of rural fire brigades.

Brigade funding and resourcing
DCS Response: The budget for the Rural Fire Service has increased 77% in the past five years from $20.2 million in 2006-07 to $35.7 million in 2011-12. Newly established Local Area Finance Committees have been established to ensure that the accountability requirements for brigades in receipt of a levy from a local authority are met. However, if the rural fire brigade is not in receipt of a local levy, there is no lever through which to enforce compliance. This is because legally rural fire brigades continue to operate as autonomous community organisations. The department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the legal position of rural fire brigades.

Forward planning and risk management:
DCS Response: The QFRS Rural Operation Risk Register captures risks and identifies appropriate performance measures to measure the effectiveness of strategies used to address risks. Strategies are then incorporated into QFRS strategic planning processes such as the QFRS Strategic Plan and the Commissioners Priorities. Guidance and support for rural fire brigades in the development of their one year operational plan and three year management plan is provided in the RFB Manual, with local QFRS area offices assisting in development of brigade plans which are then reviewed by regional managers.

Measuring and managing performance:
DCS Response: QFRS Area offices provide performance data quarterly which is subsequently collated by QFRS and reported through the Rural Operations Quarterly Report.

28-09-2011

		QLD	Fire forces national park evacuation
		QLD	Firies watch fires in far north Queensland
		QLD	Firefighters battle ongoing blazes in far north
		NT	Reinforcements called in to fight Red Centre fires
		NT	Outback blaze consumes nearly 5m hectares
		NSW	Severe winds hamper fire containment
		NT	A MAN has been arrested in the Northern Territory for deliberately lighting fires
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =3.0mm  Month total= 19.0mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

27-09-2011
In Memoriam
Dear Group Members,
It is with very deep regret that I have to advise you that our beloved member Charlie Smith of Wasp Creek RFB passed away late on Monday 26th September following a heart attack at the age of 89 years.
Charlie was an shining example of what a true RFB volunteer should aspire to be and his infectious laugh and quick wit will be sorely missed by all of us.
Christine is understandingly in deep shock and whilst I know she would welcome your condolences at this moment I would respectfully request that you refrain from contacting her today and perhaps pass on any messages of support through 2nd Officer Glenn Brooker on (M) 0428 225 133 or Brad Threlkeld on (M) 0415 682 915
Perhaps some member may know who would be another appropriate person to receive and pass on any messages to Christine and if so please advise me.
I will keep you updated as further information comes to hand.
Best Regards
Keith Woodbridge
Group Admin Officer
Keith Woodbridge

footnote: It would be remiss of me to not say a few words on this sad occasion. Charlie was the driving force behind the Wasp Creek RFB and a great supporter of the Gold Coast Group of brigades. Wasp Creek RFB had very little to begin with and is now one of the best equipped brigades in the south east corner. If I could say one thing about Charlie it would have to be , whenever he was needed , he was there. 
Rest in Peace Charlie.
SysOp

		QLD	Extreme fire danger for western Queensland
		NT	Red Centre suffers in ring of fires and smoke
		QLD	Queensland temperatures tipped to near 40C
		NT	Bushfires blamed for kangaroo pneumonia
		NT	Red Centre fire alert amid heat and strong winds
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =3.0mm  Month total= 19.0mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

26-09-2011

		WA	Roleystone firefighters receive top awards
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =0.4mm  Month total= 16.0mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

24-09-2011

23-09-2011

22-09-2011
Decades of service recognised at QFRS medal presentation
The commitment and dedication of some of Brisbane's longest serving firefighters was celebrated this morning at a Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) medal ceremony.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts joined Brisbane Region Assistant Commissioner Ian Mitchell to present more than 30 medals and clasps at the ceremony held at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy at Lytton.
Diligent and Ethical Service medals were presented to officers who had committed themselves for 20 or more years of service, while National medals were presented to firefighters that had served more than 15 years and clasps were presented to those who had served for 25 and 35 years.
"Today's ceremony is the perfect opportunity to thank staff who have committed decades to saving lives and helping their fellow Queenslanders," Mr Roberts said.
"Some of today's award recipients are being recognised for more than 40 years of diligent service.
"These personnel have not only demonstrated tremendous dedication to their roles in the fire service but to their communities who have relied on them during some of their darkest hours."
QFRS Brisbane Region Assistant Commissioner Ian Mitchell said that personnel within the region were regularly called upon to attend to a variety of incidents at a moments notice.
"Personnel can be called upon at any time of the day or night to attend structural and grass fires, road traffic crashes, hazardous materials and rescue related incidents," he said.
"Brisbane crews responded to more than 24,000 incidents in the 2010-11 financial year and almost 2000 incidents in the 2011-12 financial year to date with personnel regularly going that extra mile to protect life and property.
"QFRS representatives in the region are dedicated to educating the local community on putting their safety first through the coordination of a number of community safety and educational ac tivities."
Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
22/09/2011
Media Contact: Minister's office - 3239 0199; Emergency Services media - 3247 8186

21-09-2011

20-09-2011

19-09-2011

18-09-2011
QFRS warns of heightened fire danger across the State
18/09/2011
Forecasts of very high fire danger across large parts of Queensland over the coming days have prompted the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) to ask residents to be cautious and vigilant. 
QFRS Acting Assistant Commissioner for Rural Operations Paul Adcock said firefighters were kept busy responding to wildfires yesterday and similar weather conditions were set to continue over the coming days. 
“Just yesterday firefighters responded to more than 180 vegetation fires across Queensland,” he said. 
“There is no doubt that weather conditions of high temperatures, north to north westerly winds and low humidity, which we are experiencing now, are perfect conditions for fire. 
Mr Adcock said this mix of weather conditions prompted QFRS to ask all Queenslanders to be particularly careful. 
“We have already postponed a number of permit burns across the state but if you have a valid permit, please rethink the need to light up over the coming days.” he said. 
“Landowners who have conducted hazard reduction burns recently are strongly encouraged to take immediate steps to ensure that their fire has been properly extinguished or to make sure the residual fire is contained so that it will not escape.” 
Mr Adcock reminded residents of the declaration of a Fire Danger Period for the State. 
“Except for a fire for cooking or warmth, residents are not allowed to light a fire regardless of size without a permit since midnight Sunday 4 September to midnight on Sunday 1 January, 2012,” he said. 
“This is not to be confused with a Fire Ban under which permits would not be issued and existing permits would be cancelled. This measure has been put in place to assist the rural fire service to monitor the issuing of permits and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent fire escapes. 
“Permits can be obtained free of charge from the Local Fire Wardens.” 
Obtaining a permit to burn from your local fire warden is a simple process and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent escapes 
“We are also asking people to ensure they are not throwing cigarette butts out of car windows and to be careful when operating machinery in grassed areas,” Mr Adcock said. 
“A number of fires have recently been started by slashers, movers, graders and welders. One spark can result in a fire that can end up threatening properties and lives. 
“People operating these types of machinery should have some equipment with them to be able to extinguish these small fires before they get out of control.” 
More information about permits to light fire and how to prepare for bushfire season can be found at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au 

ADVICE - large bushfire at Murray Upper
Firefighters are currently working to contain a fire at Corduroy Creek in Murray Upper. The fire has been burning for over a week in inaccessible and remote land. Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is currently working alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife and Forestry Plantations Queensland to conduct backburning in the area in an effort to control the fire. The fire is not currently threatening any property. This fire is expected to continue to burn over the next 24 hours and will move towards Deep Creek and the community of Bilyana late tomorrow. QFRS would like to ask residents in the area to clean up around their properties and conduct any mowing or slashing today to minimise vegetation that could fuel the blaze. Residents are also asked to check their water tanks and stay aware of the fire by listening to local radio or visiting www.emergency.qld.gov.au for up to date information. 
Contact: For more information contact the Department of Community Safety on (07) 3247 8186

17-09-2011
Today is the Southeasters 17th birthday.

Through the 1980's to the early 1990's, the then 'Bush Fire Brigades' in Queensland found themselves falling deeper into a bottomless pit of no funding, very little subsidised equipment, no firetrucks or fire sheds and the constant necessity to fundraise to provide minimal fire protection for their communities. The original Bulletin Board Service (BBS) symbolically known as "the Pit" evolved in 1994 as an information service to all brigade members via a single phone line prior to Internet access becoming available and affordable.  ASCII text and ANSI graphics were used (as per the original logo on the left) to provide up to date news and direct input from brigades in the Gold Coast area. Incidentally, the abbreviated term "SysOp" (System Operator) was used to identify operators of all BBS's , just as today's website maintainers are known as Webmasters. Computer operating systems quickly developed from UNIX to DOS and then Windows to cater for the subsequent internet revolution and associated software. The Pit went online on the net in 1998 and due to response from brigades outside the Gold Coast area was re-named the Southeasters to accommodate brigades in the South East Region. Today using the internet the Southeasters is linked to and accessed by not only South East Queensland brigades, but brigades Australia and world wide. The Southeasters is still the only truly interactive website aimed at compiling and providing fire related information and news every day specifically for Rural Fire Brigade members and still run by a rural fire brigade volunteer today. Just in case you didn't know  ;-)

16-09-2011
New Director General for DCS
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Neil Roberts has congratulated Kelvin Anderson on his appointment as Director-General of the Department of Community Safety.
Mr Roberts said Mr Anderson, currently the Commissioner for Corrections within the department, will replace Jim McGowan who retires as Director-General on September 30.
"Mr Anderson joined the Queensland public service in February 2009 as the-then Director-General of Queensland Corrective Services," Mr Roberts said.
"Following a machinery of government changes in 2009 which saw QCS and the-then Department of Emergency Services merged to form the Department of Community Safety, Mr Anderson was appointed Commissioner for Corrections.
"Since that time Mr Anderson has overseen a modernisation of Queensland's corrections system including the continued strengthening of probation and parole to divert low risk offenders from custody and improve community reparation a nd the more efficient use of infrastructure and the existing capacity of correctional centres.
"Mr Anderson also established the Corrective Services Social Responsibility Charter and the Delivering Justice Program; establish a 'Greening Corrections' program to improve the environmental efficiency of correctional centres; and introduced initiatives as part of the closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage targets and service reforms.
"He is widely recognised for his professional and forward-thinking approach to management evidenced by the significant reforms implemented during his time with QCS.
"In the position of Director-General of the Department of Community Safety, Mr Anderson will oversee the management of the Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Emergency Management Queensland as well as Queensland Corrective Services.
"Each of these agencies face their own challenges, particularly increasing calls for servic e as a result of the state's increasing population.
"I look forward to working with Mr Anderson and other senior executives of the department on these issues."
Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
16/09/2011
Media contact: (07) 3239 0199

15-09-2011
Rural Fire Report buries JPL's credibility
The LNP's John-Paul Langbroek has made another embarrassing blunder by calling for the release of a report which was tabled in the Parliament last week.
"The government tabled its response to the Queensland Parliamentary Public Accounts and Public Works Committee report - Management of Rural Fire Services on September 9," Mr Roberts said.
Link to Parliament website: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/apps/TabledPapers/RelatedDocs.asp?RefNo=5311T5287
"Mr Langbroek's call today for its release demonstrates once again that the LNP is the best funded yet laziest Opposition in the country."
Mr Roberts said the government had carefully considered the committee report and supported nine of the 15 recommendations and noted the remaining six recommendations, which will be subject to further review and detailed cost analysis.
"Queenslanders should never forget that under the former National Party government, rural fire volunteers fought bushfires wi th buckets, branches and borrowed vehicles," Mr Roberts said.
"Labor has brought the Rural Fire Service out of the Stone Age.
"In the past five years the budget for the RFS has increased 77% from $20.2 million in 2006-07 to $35.7 million this financial year.
"The service's vehicle fleet has increased from 876 vehicles in June 2003 to around 977 currently, and the number of slip-on units has also significantly increased from 1,130 in June 2003 to around 2,550."
Mr Roberts said the LNP was also undermining public confidence in the Rural Fire Service by making ill-informed comments about its training arrangements and false claims that thousands of volunteers had quit in recent years.
"In the four-and-a-half years I have been Emergency Services Minister, the number of rural fire volunteers in Queensland has remained stable," Mr Roberts said.
"There are currently around 34,000 volunteers in the RFS. One thing that has changed in recent years is the number of trained rural firefighters.
"In 2008 there were around 6500 trained firefighters, currently there are around 11,200 - a 72% increase.
"Claims of red tape and unnecessary training requirements within the Rural Fire Service are complete nonsense.
"The safety of our volunteer rural firefighters on the fireground is of paramount importance and a key priority of the government and the senior executive of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.
"That is why volunteers complete training before they enter active service.
"However, the QFRS tries to make it as easy as possible for the volunteers to complete the required competencies by using online resources, DVDs and printed material. Volunteers can work through materials at their own pace and at times that suit them.
"Volunteers are then assessed by qualified trainers. I am advised that if a volunteer has prior learning of particular competencies, then they can have that experience recognised through the assessment process."
Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
15/09/2011
Media contact: (07) 3239 0199

14-09-2011

		QLD	Fire threatens Downs property
		QLD	The QFRS is sending extra crews to try to contain a large blaze west of Charters Towers in the state's north.
		QLD	Tuesday, 13 September 2011 Round Up
		QLD	Fire volunteer manpower dwindles
		QLD	Two-acre grass fire flares at Wyaralong
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =1.0mm  Month total= 15.6mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

13-09-2011

		QLD	Crews battling three Queensland bushfires
		QLD	Fires burn in Qld's north
		QLD	Rural brigades 'ill-equipped' for busy fire season
		QLD	Stormy season ahead for Queensland
		QLD	Fires, thunderstorms predicted for Coast
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =1.0mm  Month total= 15.6mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

12-09-2011

11-09-2011

10-09-2011

		WA	Authorities prepared for fire season: O'Callaghan
		VIC	Junior members to compete in NSW
		AU	WHS legislation is changing
		GB	Man blows up house with vodka home brew ... sorry , couldn't resist this one ;o)
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =10.0mm  Month total= 14.6mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

09-09-2011

08-09-2011
Laidley – house fire 
Fire crews were called to a house fire on Short Street, Laidley around 3.45am. On arrival, the home was well alight. Firefighters worked to contain the fire by 4am. All occupants were accounted for and no injuries were reported. Fire investigators will today attend the scene in order to determine the cause of the blaze.

07-09-2011

06-09-2011

Smoke alarms and fire evacuation plans save lives 
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is reminding Queenslanders smoke alarms and fire evacuation plans save lives.
QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson said research suggested the risk of death in a house fire was reduced by more than half if a properly maintained smoke alarm was installed. 
“It is compulsory for all homes and units across the State to be fitted with smoke alarms. There are two types of smoke alarms available to Queenslanders - ionisation and photoelectric,” Mr Johnson said.
“QFRS recommend residents use photoelectric alarms when installing or replacing old ones as they have been shown to be more effective when detecting household fires.
“Maintenance of smoke alarms is just as important as installation. Once installed, they should be tested and cleaned every month by pushing the test button. Always make sure you wipe the dust off it with a damp cloth and change the batteries every 12 months.
“Smoke alarms save lives because they give you an early warning of fire, even if you are asleep.”
Mr Johnson said during a fire there was only a few minutes between the sounding of a smoke alarm to when your life is seriously threatened by fire or smoke. 
“It is vital people have a clear evacuation plan in place to get out in the event of an emergency,” Mr Johnson said. 
“You can do this by sitting down with the family and identifying all possible exit routes and ensuring you cater for all members of the household, including the young, elderly and disabled.
“An emergency evacuation plan should also detail a safe assembly point outside of the home where all members of the household can meet immediately after evacuating.
“Just preparing an evacuation plan is not enough, it must be practised regularly to ensure there are no shortfalls or obstacles. 
“The evacuation plan must be thoroughly explained to all members of the household, particularly children, so they can best prepare if faced with the need to evacuate. 
Further information on evacuation plans and smoke alarms can be found at www.fire.qld.gov.au . 
For more information contact Community Safety Media on 3247 8186 
Friday, 2 September, 2011 Issued: 8.15am

Source                    Item

		USA	Texas bushfire destroys 300 homes
		VIC	Powercor to blame for fire, court told
		QLD	EIGHT crews are battling a grass fire near Charleville tonight, after a permitted burn got out of control.
		WA	UP to 30 fires were burning across the Kimberley on the day four ultramarathon runners were caught in bushfire
		GC	Violent summer storms may hit Coast
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =0.2mm  Month total= 4.6mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

05-09-2011
Firefighter recruits graduate in time for bushfire season
Thirteen new Queensland Fire and Rescue Service recruits were welcomed into the service at a ceremony held at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy in Brisbane on Friday.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the new recruits had graduated just in time for this year's bushfire season.
"These new firefighters have successfully completed one of the most highly regarded firefighter courses in the world," Mr Roberts said.
"They are now part of a service that is very well respected for its training and expertise, not only in Australia but throughout the Asia-Pacific region."
"These recruits have developed a strong knowledge base and practical skills in the areas of fire behaviour, wildfire, road crash rescue, technical rescue and hazardous materials response and will form a vital element of Queensland's overall emergency response."
Mr Roberts said the QFRS greatly valued the previous life and work experience amongst its recruits and the skills and diversity of today's graduating class was evidence of that.
"The new recruits have come from a range of professional backgrounds including the shipping and building trades, the defence force, professional sport and the business world," he said.
"The QFRS, as one arm of the Department of Community Safety, is committed to ensuring women an equal place in the workforce and I'm very pleased to have seen a female graduate amongst the class."
QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson said this was just the beginning of an exciting career in firefighting for the latest graduates.
"The road to becoming a firefighter is a long one and I would like to congratulate each of our new recruits on their commitment to reaching this stage," Mr Johnson said.
"This is just the beginning of their journey and career and each of these firefighters will continue to learn their craft and develop their skills in the years to come."
Mr Johnson said that while the QFRS are prepared and ready for the rest of the fire season, the added recruits would be a welcomed resource for their local communities.
"As a service we have done a lot of preparation and a lot of pre-planning and training for the fire season. We've got a wide range of resources and we move these resources around the state when necessary," Mr Johnson said.
"I know that the communities in the Brisbane, South East, South West, Central, Northern and Far Northern regions will greatly benefit from the skills and experiences they bring with them."
Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
05/09/2011 Media contact: Minister's office - 3239 0199
DCS Media - 3247 8186

Source                    Item

		NT	Deliberately-lit fires have caused more than $100,00 damage at Alice Springs over the weekend.
		USA	Small plane crash sparks rapid brush fire
		WA	Volunteers at low point as fire season approaches
		WA	MPs to probe FESA blaze claims
		WA	KIMBERLEY police believe no amount of planning could have prevented the tragedy that has left two women fighting for their lives
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =4.0mm  Month total= 4.4mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

04-09-2011

Source                    Item

		WA	Two women critical after bushfire
		VIC	Victoria bushfires class action to start
		WA	Police boss denies bushfire cricket claims
		QLD	DCS website _Castle Hill (Townsville) - grass fire
		VIC	FSC warns of grass-fire season

03-09-2011

Source                    Item

		WA	Blaze traps marathon runners
		WA	Cancer-stricken firefighters push for law
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =0.4mm  Month total= 0.4mm  45 year average= 59.0mm

02-09-2011

Source                    Item

		USA	Texas fires destroy nearly 40 homes
		VIC	Bendigo residents given the go-ahead to remove some trees that were burnt by the city's Black Saturday bushfire.
		GC	Fire threatens Gilston property

01-09-2011
Source= DCS website
Hervey Range (Townsville) – grass fire 
Two fire crews are currently at the scene of a grass fire near Hervey Range and Rifle Range roads, Hervey Range. The fire is believed to have broken out shortly before 2pm. Fire crews are conducting back burning operations in an attempt to bring the blaze under control. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as smoke is present in the area. Residents in the area who suffer from, or are susceptible to, respiratory illness should ensure they remain indoors and keep their medication close by.

Source                    Item

		NT	Red Centre town seeks aid in dangerous fire season
		GC	Total fire ban in place from Sunday  ...... think maybe they've got that header wrong ;o)
		QLD	DCS website _Charleville - bushfire
			BoM Station 040607 Rainfall Springbrook =0.0mm  Month total= 0.0mm  45 year average= 59.0mm