General News
17 December, 2024
Firefighters control third Moonlight blaze in a week
Following two consecutive fires on the same road last week, local emergency services attended a blaze on a private property along Moonlight Road again on Sunday afternoon.
Maryborough, Wareek and Bowenvale fire brigades were first called to the scene at around 5.30 pm.
Unlike the two incidents on Tuesday and Wednesday last week, which were caused by contracted slashing works, the fire is believed to have originated from sparks caused by a nearby transformer on a power pole.
A total of six brigades attended alongside units from Forest Fire Management and aircraft support to control the fire, which burnt approximately seven hectares before being deemed under control within 30 minutes.
“Originally there were three trucks and aircraft called and then we ended up making the decision to call for more support,” Incident Controller Jason Sinclair said.
“There were eight trucks, one slip-on, one quick-fill pump and three units from Forest Fire Management plus the aircraft.
“It was great work by all the crews, everyone did a fantastic job, they couldn’t have done a better job really.”
Police attended the scene to assist with traffic management throughout the incident.
Although Mr Sinclair believes the successive fires along Moonlight Road are an unlucky coincidence, he said the incidents serve as a timely reminder for residents to have their fire plans ready.
“It’s just one of those things, they just happened to all be in the same area,” he said.
“Make sure to have your plans in place because [the fires] are running fast at the moment.
“With days like yesterday, we really made sure that fire was dead before we left in case something wanted to reignite.”