Lower Beechmont Rural Fire Brigade in Lower Beechmont | Government organisation

Lower Beechmont Rural Fire Brigade

Locality: Lower Beechmont

Phone: +61 7 5533 1233

Address: 2 Mirani Street 4211 Lower Beechmont, QLD, Australia

Website: http://ruralfire.qld.gov.au

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25.01.2022 This week marks the 12 month anniversary of the fire in Lower Beechmont that threatened houses in North Rd. Many of us still look up with a sense of dread at the sound of a helicopter flying overhead. In the past 12 months, the Brigade has seen an influx of new members who have stepped up to help protect our community. They have been training hard to be prepared for the next time the call to action comes. The Brigade has also been working to improve its capabilities through... new resources and equipment funded by the many generous donations we have received. With this year being dominated by the pandemic, we have been fortunate that the ongoing cool weather has seen little fire activity so far, despite the dry winter. However, with just over six weeks left in the fire season (subject to the summer rains), we do ask that you remain vigilant and prepared just in case 2020 has one more stunt to pull.

24.01.2022 Gold Coast Rural Fire Brigade Group and the 15 Volunteer Fire Brigades we represent wish to thank the community for the amazing support and feedback we have rec...eived over the past few days. The below news article was published in today’s Gold Coast Bulletin. Gold Coast City Councils stance on the issue is that our funding should be a state government responsibility, at present there is no commitment from state to take over our funding. We ask for the local community to keep asking why the decision was made to remove the $1 special Levy with no consultation with the rate payers of the Gold Coast. See more

24.01.2022 The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting widespread storms for eastern Queensland today so let’s make sure we’re ready! Before those dark clouds start rolling i...n Move your car under cover or away from trees. Secure loose outdoor items. Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. Have an emergency kit handy. Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology website for updated warnings throughout the day: http://www.bom.gov.au/ Ipswich City SES Unit, Oct 25

24.01.2022 TOTAL FIRE BAN A Total Fire Ban has been declared from midnight Saturday (tonight) until midnight on Monday night for all of the South East Queensland region. Despite some recent rain, fire hazard conditions are actually worse than what we had at the time of the fires last year. It has only been the cooler conditions persisting later into the year that have kept the risk of significant fires at bay.... All current Permits to Light Fire issued for the local fire ban area are hereby cancelled, subject to the following exemptions. THE FOLLOWING EXEMPTIONS APPLY: Fires lit for the purpose of cooking, that are: a. within a properly constructed receptacle such as a barbeque, gas or wood fired and pizza oven, and b. where the fire cannot escape or cause embers to drift, and c. there must be a fire extinguishing device available (e.g. garden hose or fire extinguisher) are permitted provided they are not left unattended. Fires lit for the purpose of providing warmth that are: a. lit within a properly constructed receptacle, such as fire pits and braziers, and b. that are used in suburban back yard, and c. no larger than 1m x 1m x 0.5m, and d. there is a fire extinguishing device available (e.g. garden hose or fire extinguisher), and e. the area is cleared of vegetation and embers cannot drift from the fire, and f. provided they are not left unattended are permitted between 1800 hrs to 0600 hrs. (6pm to 6am). This exemption does not include bon fires. Fires lit for the purpose of disposal of animal carcasses are permitted, subject to the issue of a permit by the local Fire Warden. Fires lit for commercial necessity are permitted subject to the issue of a permit to light fire by the Chief Fire Warden. As always, we ask for your care and vigilance for the prevention and early detection of fires. Please report any sign of fire to Triple Zero (000).

23.01.2022 Bureau of Meteorology have issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Queensland. Some storms have merged into rain areas, but several severe storms rema...in. These storms may produce damaging winds & heavy rain. Large hail is no longer likely, as weak supercells have decayed. Make sure you: move your car undercover and away from trees secure loose, outdoor items stay indoors during the storm stay away from fallen trees and powerlines don’t drive through flood waters listen to your local radio and TV station for warnings/updates call the SES on 132 500 if you need assistance call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the situation is life-threatening.

22.01.2022 Santa is on his way.

20.01.2022 The Gold Coast Rural Fire Brigade Group represents 15 Volunteer Fire Brigades that rely on the funding that the Gold Coast City Council has been collecting for ...several years on our behalf. This has been done via a special levy charge of $1 on the yearly rates notice. The Gold Coast City Council has voted to now cease the collection of $1 from rate payers. The funds collected are vital in the operation of the Gold Coast Groups Volunteer Fire Brigades. Our Group of Brigades and its volunteers are extremely concerned at how we will be supported financially after the final levy payment of only $1 is collected by the Gold Coast City Council. We are asking for the communities of the Gold Coast that you voice your opinion about the $1 levy and ask the question to your local Councillor why they have decided not to collect the levy to support our volunteers. See more

20.01.2022 Our trucks are getting serviced to be ready for the fire season. Are you prepared?

20.01.2022 IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to Santa needing to make an urgent early run down south before the Christmas COVID lockdown gets worse, he'll be a bit delayed in getting to us here. Santa is now expected to start his run at around 4:30pm tomorrow. ---------- Santa has enlisted the Brigade to conduct his Christmas Eve tour of inspection of Lower Beechmont so he can check out his sleigh landing sites and make final checks of his Nice or Naughty List.... Santa's tour will start at Jardine St at about 3pm on Christmas Eve, followed by Ingham St, Elimbah Court, Mirani St, Tarlington Ln/Rd, and Loop Rd. Santa will then head to the bottom of Beechmont Rd and work his way back up, then up North Rd, Outlook Ave, Freemans Rd and Hellfire Pass. Keep an ear out for Santa's sleigh bells and hearty Ho, Ho, Ho's as he makes his way around the village. If you live off the road and would like Santa to make a special detour into your place, please send us a message so we can add it to his itinerary.

19.01.2022 Undertaking a pile burn at training today. 'First fire' experience for many of our new trainees.

18.01.2022 Today is the first day of the 2020 fire season. The Brigade has spent the day preparing with other Gold Coast brigades at a group exercise. What are you doing to prepare?

17.01.2022 The Lower Beechmont Rural Fire Brigade relies on the Rural Fire Levy to pay for our basic expenses such as electricity, water supplies, telephone, internet, and call-out pagers. Without funding, we will be both literally and figuratively left in the dark.

17.01.2022 TOTAL FIRE BAN EXTENDED The current Total Fire Ban has been further extended until midnight Friday. The fire on Fraser Island is a good warning of how serious a fire can develop with our current conditions. The Frazer Island fire is also occupying substantial QFES ground and air resources, including the Large Aerial Tankers from NSW. Any other fire at the moment would see our resources stretched very thinly to respond.... As always, please remain vigilant with any potential sources of fire and report any signs of fire to Triple Zero (000) immediately.

17.01.2022 We will be conducting two hazard reductions today. First on Gilston Road near Dam and the second in Narrowleaf road. Both have been scruitinised and permits giv...en. We are trying to burn early so as most smoke should dissipate during the day. Be mindful of visibility on the roads and keep safe. See more

17.01.2022 You would be amazed at the number of times we have been called out to a motor vehicle accident where the location is given as 'the bendy bit along Beechmont Road'. Or a report of 'smoke can be seen from North Road'. We even had a call about a fire 'just past Mirani St' which turned out to be near Rosins Lookout! Giving exact location, direction and distance details about an incident, so that we don't have to go searching, saves us considerable time in responding.

16.01.2022 Reports of a diesel spill on Beechmont Rd at the bottom of the mountain.

15.01.2022 Seqwater are moving ahead with a large hazard reduction burn in the southern end of the Hinze Dam reserve. The burn will run from just south of Jardine Road and along the escarpment to Rosins Lookout. Timing of the burn is subject to favourable weather conditions. Rural Fire Service, National Parks, and Gold Coast City Council crews will be assisting in the burn operations. It is expected that the burn will last for several days and will produce heavy smoke at times that may impact on Beechmont Road.

15.01.2022 TOTAL FIRE BAN A Total Fire Ban has been declared from midnight Friday (tonight) until midnight on Wednesday night for all of the South East Queensland region. Extremely hot dry windy conditions are forecast for areas to our west which will increase our fire danger risk.... All current Permits to Light Fire issued for the local fire ban area are hereby cancelled, subject to the following exemptions. THE FOLLOWING EXEMPTIONS APPLY: Fires lit for the purpose of cooking, that are: a. within a properly constructed receptacle such as a barbeque, gas or wood fired and pizza oven, and b. where the fire cannot escape or cause embers to drift, and c. there must be a fire extinguishing device available (e.g. garden hose or fire extinguisher) are permitted provided they are not left unattended. Fires lit for the purpose of providing warmth that are: a. lit within a properly constructed receptacle, such as fire pits and braziers, and b. that are used in suburban back yard, and c. no larger than 1m x 1m x 0.5m, and d. there is a fire extinguishing device available (e.g. garden hose or fire extinguisher), and e. the area is cleared of vegetation and embers cannot drift from the fire, and f. provided they are not left unattended are permitted between 1800 hrs to 0600 hrs. (6pm to 6am). This exemption does not include bon fires. Fires lit for the purpose of disposal of animal carcasses are permitted, subject to the issue of a permit by the local Fire Warden. Fires lit for commercial necessity are permitted subject to the issue of a permit to light fire by the Chief Fire Warden. Power tools including lawn mowers and mechanical slashers may be used, however the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services encourages people to use these with extreme care and to ensure that adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire that may start. This could include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur. As always, we ask for your care and vigilance for the prevention and early detection of fires. Please report any sign of fire to Triple Zero (000).

14.01.2022 ATTENTION RESIDENTS LOCATED AROUND CANUNGRA AND BEECHMONT For communities located in the eastern part of our region, we recognise the smoke from the Springb...rook fire and planned burns, coupled with helicopter activity, may be quite emotional given many people are still recovering from last year's bushfires. Support is available from Ana, newly appointed Social Worker, Mental Health Bushfire and Trauma Recovery for residents located in the eastern part of the region impacted by the September 2019 bushfires. Ana is available to talk with you if you are feeling anxious at this time. You can contact Ana on 0428 057 188 or email [email protected] for a free and confidential chat. Ana is employed by Queensland Health and the role is funded from the Queensland Government bushfire recovery funding to help support our communities through this challenging time.

13.01.2022 Parts of Queensland are still bearing the scars of the horror summer of fires, but already the official bushfire season starts today. #9News | Weeknights at 5.30pm

12.01.2022 Rural fire brigades from across the Gold Coast have responded to a grass fire currently burning in bushland in Carrara. This fire is well within the urban area and is a clear example of why our local brigades need the support of the Gold Coast City Council to continue to collect the Rural Fire Levy from all rate payers. #ruralfirelevyatwork

11.01.2022 The next few days will see heightened fire danger levels with the Total Fire Ban for Scenic Rim and Logan areas. We are now seeing warmer weather coming off a very dry winter. Seqwater have enacted their drought response plan due to low dam levels, vegetation is showing increasing signs of water stress, and soil moisture is at very low levels. Out west they are seeing 100% curing (browning off) of grassland areas. We are aware that there are still a few hot spots remaining... from the Seqwater hazard reduction burn conducted near Beechmont last month and we expect that they will flare up with the warmer, windy weather of the next few days. These hot spots are within the containment area and Seqwater are monitoring them. If you haven't already done so, now is the perfect time to prepare your property for bushfire season and update your Bushfire Survival Plan to take into consideration the lessons learnt from last year. As always, we ask you to be vigilant about the risk of bushfire and report any signs of smoke to Triple Zero (000) immediately.

09.01.2022 UPDATE: Due to the developing Covid-19 situation in the greater Brisbane area, and the potential risk of exposure to the people participating in this burn, Seqwater has made a decision to postpone the burn until further guidance is sought from Queensland Government and the risk is further assessed. ---- In preparation for the upcoming hazard reduction burn at Hinze Dam, the Brigade spent the morning with Seqwater crews familiarising themselves with some of the fire trails tha...t head down the mountainside. Bella's Track and Mills' Track, running from the northern end of the Beechmont Plateau down to the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, date back to the early days of farming in the area before Beechmont Road was constructed. The hazard reduction burn is anticipated to start on Monday morning, depending on favourable weather conditions. Once a containment line has been established around the 500ha area, helicopters will be used to drop aerial incendiaries on Wednesday.

07.01.2022 Sadly, one of our firefighters was badly injured whilst responding to an incident early last week. After a week long stay in hospital, he is now back home and recovering well, though it will be about six weeks before he'll be back in action again. The Brigade would like to thank all of the local community members who have offered their support and assistance. It is definitely appreciated.

06.01.2022 A Total Fire Ban is currently in place.

05.01.2022 THAT’S A LOT OF RED Thought Tuesday was a bit hairy? Wednesday could bring even more severe storms with destructive winds, giant hail, heavy rain and flash ...flooding for eastern Queensland. Flash flooding can be extremely dangerous. People are often swept away after they enter floodwaters on foot, or in vehicles, due to the speed and power of the swift moving water. It’s important to: Pay attention to weather patterns and weather forecasts Stay away from rivers, creeks and drains Never try to drive, ride or walk through a flash flood Get to higher ground Act quickly

04.01.2022 A shout out to Worongary Meats and Baker's Delight for their donation of breakfast for the Brigade at training today.

04.01.2022 Low flying helicopters in the area won't be due to an emergency this time, just the Army doing some helicopter training in the area. From Monday 24 August Friday 04 September 2020, Chinook CH 47-D Helicopters from your Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment, will be conducting day and night time flying training in South East Qld.

04.01.2022 Nerang Murwillumbah Rd closed near Western Boat Ramp

03.01.2022 The Brigade is out today with Beechmont Rural Fire Brigade assisting Seqwater with the hazard reduction burn near Beechmont. A helicopter is currently operating in the area dropping aerial incendiaries to burn out the interior of the containment area.

03.01.2022 Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase over the New South Wales Mid North Coast between Taree and Coffs Harbour on Friday, with heavy falls possible.... Rainfall will increase over the weekend as a deepening low pressure system approaches the southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales coasts. This low may generate heavy rain, damaging winds and possible coastal erosion. Over the next 4 days, widespread 100-200mm of rain is forecast from the New South Wales Mid North Coast to coastal south eastern Queensland, with isolated higher falls in excess of 300mm possible. Heavy falls will likely to lead to flash flooding in the coming days with riverine flooding also possible. Remember if it's flooded, forget it. Know your weather. Know your risk. For the latest forecasts and warnings, go to our website http://ow.ly/6L4450CHtzp or the #BOMWeather App.

02.01.2022 Out training this morning familiarizing new members with the local fire trails and filling from tanks.

01.01.2022 The Brigade spent the morning with other local brigades participating in a familisation tour of the Defence base at Canungra. Since the fires last year, Defence has made considerable effort to improve their fire response and relationships with surrounding communities.

01.01.2022 This time last year, a raging bushfire destroyed 11 homes around the Sarabah and Binna Burra area. A Bushfire Survival Plan is a non-negotiable. If your househ...old doesn’t have one, now is the time to create it. For a step-by-step guide, visit: https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au//Create-your-bushfire-sur Binna Burra/Sarabah Sept. 2019