Bushfire warning for Surprise Mount in far north Queensland

Mount Surprise, population 169, could be hit by a "fast-moving and intense bushfire".

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has gotten off to a fast start. "

Firefighters are working on the fire, about 285km inland from Cairns, but may not be able to protect every property.

"You should not expect a firefighter at your door," QFES said.

This morning the fire was 10km east of the town and posed no threat to property at the time, QFES said.

At 5pm QFES said the bushfire was moving in a westerly direction from Gulf Developmental Rd and O'Brien Creek Rd.

People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.

Paramedics are on standby at Mount Surprise but so far have no patients.

The Bruce Highway has been closed in both directions at Mt. Surprise, with police asking for motorists.

Call triple-0 immediately if you believe your property is under threat.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.

• If you have a bushfire survival plan, finalize it now, you are ready to follow it.

• If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, or if your plan is to leave, identify where you will leave the area.

• Advise family and friends of your plan.

• Close windows and doors to minimize smoke exposure.

If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.

• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.

• Contact your neighbors to see if they need help preparing for the bushfire.

• Pack important documents and essential items (e.g., pbadports, birth certificates, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing) in case you need to leave the area.

• Put on protective clothing (e.g., long-sleeved cotton shirt, boots with thick soles).

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Bring pets inside; restrain them with a leash, a cage, or inside a secure room; and provide them with plenty of water.

• Take action to protect your livestock.

• Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins, and outdoor furniture away from your house.

• Fill containers such as your bath, sinks, and buckets with water so you have access to drinking water and firefighting water.

• Close windows and doors, sealing the gaps under the walls.

KEEP UP TO DATE BY:

• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandRescueService) and Twitter (@QldFES)

• Stay tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;

• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map

FURTHER INFORMATION:

• For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety

• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au