Hot windy conditions last Wednesday morning led to two fires developing at Old Talgal and Pratten with smoke visible from Allora, Hendon and Deuchar.

A ‘Prepare to Leave’ warning was issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Wednesday afternoon for the Old Talgai fire, which also affected Ellangowan and Victoria Hill.

The warning area was between Leyburn Cunningham Road, Oleary Road, Fontainbleau Road and Ryeford Pratten Road.

The fire was moving from Leyburn Cunningham Road towards Oleary Road and Ryeford Pratten Road.

There were concerns some properties might be threatened.

Crews had everything burning within containment lines by midday on Thursday.

The fire at Pratten was south of the town, between Condamine River Road and Leyburn Cunningham Road.

A QFES spokesperson said the fire was fast-moving and jumped Leyburn Cunningham Road at one point, raising concerns about houses in the area being in danger. Into Friday and Saturday crews continue to patrol before finishing Saturday night.

The QFES spokesperson said that between both fires, dozens and dozens of Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service crews spent the afternoon and evening battling the blaze.

They were assisted by air support in the form of water bombers that collected water from Leslie Dam and aircraft from Massie Aerodrome.

The QFES spokesperson said a cause of the fires has not been determined.

There are unconfirmed reports the Old Talgal fire was started by an electric fence.  

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 25 January 2023.