Southern Queensland and parts of New South Wales are facing severe to extreme fire conditions in the first week of spring.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Commonwealth Government is in contact with Queensland and NSW authorities and closely monitoring the situation.
"All levels of government are working together to keep our communities safe," Minister Littleproud said.
"The Director General of Emergency Management Australia has activated COMDISPLAN to meet requests for assistance with bushfires burning in southeast Queensland.
"NSW Rural Fire Service personnel are now assisting with fires around Canungra, west of the Gold Coast.
"The Federal Government stands ready to assist, should further assistance be requested."
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC says the Australian Defence Force is providing support to firefighters at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra.
Defence personnel are assisting the firefighting effort by providing water and temporary equipment storage," Minister Reynolds said.
Minister Littleproud said Australians were especially vulnerable to fires because of the warm and dry start to the season.
"I urge everyone in those areas to stay aware of their surroundings and follow advice from local authorities.
"The east coast of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as parts of southern Western Australia and South Australia, face above normal fire risk this season.
"This may be just one of several serious fire events this fire season and I urge everyone to make a bushfire plan."
Fast facts:
- If you're in an at-risk area – activate your fire plan and stick to it.
- If you don't have a bushfire plan – make one now.
- Reach out to your neighbours so you cover all the bases.
- Stay tuned to your local ABC radio station.
- Fire services keep their websites and the Fires NearMe app up-to-date to assist.
- Red Cross has tools and resources to help people prepare for disasters.
- Severe to Extreme fire danger ratings have been forecast for southern, southeast and central Queensland. Locally Catastrophic fire danger ratings are also possible across isolated parts of the southern interior of the state.
- Extreme fire danger has also been forecast for parts of Northwest NSW.
