QLD: Bushfire danger high

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2001
QLD: Bushfire danger high

Premier PETER BEATTIE has warned that more than 95 per cent of Queensland is at extreme
risk of bushfires.

Mr BEATTIE says people living in city areas are not immune, with 2,000 of last year's
25,000 fires occurring within 60 kilometres of Brisbane.

He says the bushfire season is just beginning and in some areas the fuel loading is
the heaviest in 25 years.

The Weather Bureau says satellite technology shows little or no rain in more than 90
per cent of the state this winter.

Emergency Services Minister MIKE REYNOLDS says up to 90 per cent of bushfires are deliberately
lit and one in three is started by children.

He says the state government has ordered 58 new rural fire trucks to help combat the
growing danger.

AAP RTV geb/jmt

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES QLD (BRISBANE)

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