Early spring bushfires scorch central Queensland farms, killing chickens and wrecking irrigation

Since September 1, a series of bushfires have swept across central Queensland, fueled by the state's driest winter in six years. On a 15-hectare property near Rockhampton, Kat Kirk lost a chicken coop and saw most of her land burned, while nearby egg producer Debbie-Jo MacDonald narrowly avoided loss of her 800 chickens. In Gladstone, the McCrays' vineyard suffered the loss of its primary irrigation pump after fires breached fire breaks.

The Queensland Fire Department issued Watch and Act alerts for eight blazes, and the Rockhampton Rural Fire Service noted crew fatigue from the intense workload. Officials urge farmers to remain alert and postpone planned burns until conditions improve. Community support has helped affected producers begin rebuilding and reinforce fire safety measures.