FIREFIGHTERS saved the small border town of Wallangarra from fast-moving fires today.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services confirmed four homes were lost in the blaze.
Stanthorpe parish priest Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran, who administers Wallangarra’s St Mary’s, said he was impressed by the outpouring of community spirit as his community celebrated All Saints’ Day.
He said there had been a lot of support for those in need.
“The community has helped each other in many ways,” he said.
Coralie Endean of Wallangarra said her husband, Steve White and other firefighters not only saved houses and humans but also livestock.
“They went through town and surrounding paddocks and brought horses in danger to the school,” she said.
“Firefighters were prepared to float them out.”
The crew had fought the Wallangarra-based fires for 18 hours and also “ferried people to Stanthorpe when it was safe to evacuate”.
QFES released dramatic footage of fires raging metres away from homes with animals and people in trucks fleeing.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk praised the firefighters for their efforts.
“The town has been saved … the fire is now going around,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
She thanked the New South Wales government who provided firefighters and their large water tanker.
“There is no doubt these combined efforts have saved lives,” she said.
“For those who have lost everything, the arms of Queenslanders are wrapping around them.
“More than 670 people have received emergency assistance payments so far with more on the way.
“This emergency is far from over.”
The Queensland Government released some statistics on the fires so far:
- 76 active bushfires across Queensland (as at 6.30am)
- Since October 21, fire crews have fought 900 vegetation fires
- 58 structures damaged on Western Downs
- 387 homes saved
- 83 firefighters from Victoria have started arriving
- 42 aircraft available today
- Emergency assistance payments assisting 677 people have been paid
- Some reprieve in weather conditions
