Rain gives firefighters a break ... for now: [1 Edition]
Leisa Scott, John Stapleton. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 28 Oct 2002: 4.
Abstract
A southerly change brought lighter winds, and temperatures up to 20 degrees cooler than in recent days allowed firefighters to bring the fires at Withcott, White Mountain, Tara and the Gold Coast region under control.
Premier Peter Beattie toured the Toowoomba region yesterday and said although the fires were devastating, the residents were lucky to have the help of the state's firefighters. "They should go and buy a lotto ticket and should buy every one of the fire crews a Christmas present because they were very lucky indeed," he said.
RAIN fell over southern Queensland yesterday, reducing the ferocity of fires that raged across the Darling Downs for five days, destroying three homes.
They forced the evacuation of almost 1000 people and burned more than 100sqkm of bushland.
The last of the evacuees from the outlying Toowoomba estate of Prince Henry Heights -- where 60 fire units and 19 water tankers battled the blaze on Saturday -- last night returned to their homes.
A southerly change brought lighter winds, and temperatures up to 20 degrees cooler than in recent days allowed firefighters to bring the fires at Withcott, White Mountain, Tara and the Gold Coast region under control.
Premier Peter Beattie toured the Toowoomba region yesterday and said although the fires were devastating, the residents were lucky to have the help of the state's firefighters. "They should go and buy a lotto ticket and should buy every one of the fire crews a Christmas present because they were very lucky indeed," he said.
A number of the fires are believed to have been deliberately lit and police are investigating. A total fire ban has been imposed across the state until November.
NSW also benefited from easing weather conditions, giving firefighters the chance to contain up to 85 fires burning across the state yesterday.
There was no direct threat to property from the fires, including the biggest at Lismore, Tenterfield, Glen Innes and Grafton.
About 2000 volunteers fought the blazes on Saturday but 1500 of them were given a day off yesterday due to the improved conditions. On Saturday, about 40 homes were evacuated in the mid-north coast towns of Port Macquarie and South West Rocks.
NSW authorities are fearful conditions will once again deteriorate, with hot, dry conditions and strong winds forecast for midweek.
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