Qld: Hot weather continues and winds increase fire danger
Tue Aug 25 02:56:08 EST 2009
Mon Aug 24 16:56:08 UTC 2009
BRISBANE, Aug 25 AAP - The fire danger remains extreme as record-breaking temperatures scorch Queensland.
Although forecasters are not predicting the mercury to go past the record top temperatures seen on Monday, the state will continue swelter under extraordinarily high temperatures.
Brisbane recorded its hottest August on record with the temperature soaring to 35.4 degrees Celsius at about 4.20pm (AEST) on Monday.
Temperatures across the state have been about 10 degrees hotter than average the Bureau of Meteorology says.
On Tuesday the bureau is predicting winds to pick up, adding to the extreme fire danger that has prompted a total fire ban across the southern part of the state.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service commissioner Lee Johnson said the first real fire cycle for this year was expected during the next two days.
"(That means) no fires in the open. A gas fire barbecue is OK and anyone using machinery such as slashing grass should exercise extreme caution," Mr Johnson told reporters.
Anyone caught lighting a fire during a fire ban will face six months in prison or a $5,000 fine.
