Withcott Rural Fire Brigade

10/10/2026

Saturday 10th October 2026 - Firefighters’ Remembrance Day

Each and every day, firefighters face uncertainty – they often sacrifice their own safety to protect lives and properties in our communities, and they display a unique courage in doing so.

On Saturday 10th October 2026 please honour their memory, acknowledge their supreme sacrifice and remember them and their contributions to the community.

Full Time, Part Time, Volunteer – all going forward to defend all of Queensland.

09/10/2026

Seventeen Mile Road Fire

At approximately 11.30am yesterday (Friday 9th October), as our Sunshine Coast Strike Team was leaving the fireground, a breach of the fire into unburnt vegetation was discovered. Ground crews did what they could to reach the fire, but access was very difficult and falling trees risked safety.

The helicopter mapping platform was deployed and two more breaches were located from the air. All three were on the eastern side of the fireground in the vicinity of Gormans Road.

Water bombers and gel retardant drops re-commenced, and further ground crews were called from local brigades and as far as Ipswich. Crews remained on scene until approximately 8.30pm last night and will re-attend to attempt access to any smouldering material and mop-up today.

We will be very grateful to see further rain in the area in the next few days!

09/10/2026

Seventeen Mile Road Fire

Fire is now contained.

Smoke from fuels burning within containment lines may still be visible for some days ahead.

Crews will be leaving the fireground at midday today.

08/10/2026

Community meeting at Murphys Creek Tavern at 6pm for anyone interested in the wrap-up of fires at 15-Mile and 17-Mile.

🚨Community meeting Thursday 8th October 6pm at Murphys Creek Tavern🚨

Another community meeting is being held for the residents affected by the recent Fifteen Mile and Seventeen bushfires. Please share with any community members who may not have social media.

07/10/2026

Seventeen Mile Fire - 7 October 2026

Favourable conditions and light rainfall on the fireground have continued to assist in mopping up remaining hot spots. The fire now appears to be contained, but reignition can take place if strong winds or hot temperatures occur on the fireground. Crews are continuing to patrol, mop-up and clear fallen trees and branches, and monitor for any reigniting of vegetation.

Gorman's Road has been cleared of fallen and dangerous trees and has been reopened.

Seventeen Mile Road has been reopened, but there is a 40kph zone in place around the Division Command at 1275 Seventeen Mile Road, to assist in emergency services vehicles moving in/out.

Aircraft will check from overhead again in the morning, and crews will still be on the ground tomorrow checking for any signs of hot spots.

Hopefully the cool weather will continue in our favour!

07/10/2026

Thanks to all in the brigade who have been contributing to suppressing these fires. Your efforts have been greatly appreciated.

06/10/2026

17 Mile Fire Update

The fire at Seventeen Mile Road has benefited from 9mm of very useful rain this morning. This has reduced active flame and allowed ground crews to gain further access and implement increased mop-up of hot spots. Rotary aircraft have continued with updating fireground mapping and assisting crews in locating any areas of concern to be investigated. Several local tracks were successfully cleared of all fallen and dangerous trees using a contracted loader, and ground crews followed with mop-up behind to ensure breaks are solid.

Special thanks to crews from Gold Coast Strike Teams who have travelled to assist local crews and provide some opportunities for rest - we couldn't have managed as much work on the ground without you!

Thanks also to brigades who have travelled from all over our area to assist.

The fire is not yet completely extinguished, but crews will continue to patrol, monitor and mop-up as required.

04/10/2026

The 17 Mile fire is being administered by Withcott Rural Fire Brigade .

The fire is currently uncontained and all crews are currently working on structure protection and keeping residents informed. The primary area of focus is between Goldmine Rd and Palm Tree Rd at 17 Mile. This section of 17 Mile Road is currently closed to all traffic except for local residents and emergency services.

Local residents can attend divisional command at 1275 17 Mile Road between 7am and 7pm if concerned.

In an emergency please call 000.

https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents

https://bushfire-survival-plan.qfes.qld.gov.au/

04/10/2026

In an emergency, call 000.

For all current warnings, updates and mapping, go to https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

STAY INFORMED - Seventeen Mile (near Toowoomba) - fire as at 5:26pm Sunday, 4 October 2026

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Seventeen Mile

A fire is burning near Seventeen Mile Road.

Stay informed because the situation could change.

What you should do:

- Check for warning updates often and listen to your local radio station.

- Decide what you will do if the bushfire gets closer.

- If the smoke is thick where you are, stay inside and close windows and doors.

- If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close. Smoke can make it hard to breathe.

- Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.

- If you are in danger, call Triple Zero (000) now.

Impacts:

- Some roads may be closed or impacted by smoke. It could be hard to see. You may need to drive a different way.

What firefighters are doing:

- Firefighters are working to control the fire.

More information:

- For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website. https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

- Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/qldfiredepartment.

- For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website. https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or call 13 19 40.

- For local information visit your Council’s Local Disaster Dashboard.

- If you are worried about your health call your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 432 584).

- Natural disasters can affect your mental health. If you need help contact:

- Lifeline. https://www.lifeline.org.au/ on 13 11 14.

- Beyond Blue. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ on 1300 224 636.

- Kids Helpline. https://kidshelpline.com.au/ on 1800 551 800.

- If you need translation, call TIS National on 131 450.

- Learn how to get ready for a bushfire on the Qld Fire website. https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/bushfires - Prepare - Bushfire.

Updates will be issued if the situation changes.

This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.